The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has announced a significant move in the long-awaited investigation into the tragic death of Agnes Wanjiku Wanjiru, moments after the UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, visited the deceased's family.
In a statement released on Monday, April 7, the ODPP revealed that the police inquiry file has now been submitted for further review and legal advice.
"The Director of Public Prosecutions wishes to inform the general public that, following conclusive investigations into the tragic death of Agnes Wanjiku Wanjiru, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has submitted the police inquiry file for review and legal advice," ODPP said in a statement.
Further, the DPP announced that a team of senior prosecutors has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the file. This team is expected to ensure that all legal avenues are explored before a way forward is issued.
DPP further acknowledged the delays in a breakthrough in the case but reaffirmed its commitment to getting to the bottom of the case. Further updates are set to be issued to the public as the case further unfolds.
"The DPP assures the family of Agnes and the public that any decision regarding changes will be made in strict adherence to the constitution, the Decision to Charge (DTC) guidelines, and applicable laws," the statement added.
Wanjiku, who was 21 at the time of her death, was murdered, and her body dumped in a septic tank at a Kenyan hotel close to the British army base. Her body was discovered in March 2012, two months after she went missing.
In the wake of her death, reports emerged that a British soldier had come forward to confess to her killing, but little progress has been made since an inquiry into the case in 2019.
Wanjiku's family still holds out hope that justice will ultimately prevail, although their latest statement painted a picture of despair. “The death of our beloved Agnes has had a profound and devastating impact on our family," the family said.
The family statement added, “It was not only the shock of losing Agnes at such a young age but also the horrific circumstances in which her body was found and all the trauma and struggle our family has been put through in trying to seek justice and accountability for her death that has taken a very heavy toll on all of us."
The latest statement marked a landmark point in the case, which has dragged on for more than 12 years. Delays in the case have led to growing frustration not only from Wanjiku's family but the public as well.
Meanwhile, Healey, who visited Wanjiru's family on Monday, revealed plans to bring the matter to President William Ruto.
In 2024, the British Army announced plans to launch an inquiry into the behaviour of British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) after a documentary exposed cases of abuse from soldiers on Kenyan women, including children as young as 13 years.
“In my meeting with President Ruto later today, I will emphasise the need to accelerate progress in this case. Our government will continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve," Healey said.
