More than a decade after Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, was killed in Kenya, allegedly by a British soldier, a Kenyan court has issued an arrest warrant for a UK national. If there is an extradition, it would be the first time a serving or former British soldier is sent abroad to face trial for the murder of a civilian – a move her friends would welcome.
On the night she went missing on 31 March 2012, Agnes begged her childhood friends to accompany her for a night out. Living in Nanyuki, a town with a significant British military presence, they faced many challenges while seeking enjoyment.
Agnes, struggling to provide for her infant daughter, was determined to have a good time. However, her night took a tragic turn when she was last seen leaving a bar with a white man. Days later, her body was discovered, sparking alarm over the treatment of women in such scenarios.
After years of obscurity, the murder case received renewed attention as evidence mounted implicating British soldiers in her death. The resumed legal proceedings mark a pivotal moment in addressing the historical neglect of justice for victims like Agnes.
With the arrest warrant now issued, Agnes's friends and family advocate for justice, emphasizing the need for accountability and raising awareness about the societal issues surrounding Agnes's tragic story. They stress that the British Army cannot continue to ignore her murder, as their calls for justice grow louder.
