London, UK — British police have arrested a former soldier in connection with the 2012 murder of Kenyan woman Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was found in a septic tank near a British Army base in Nanyuki.
The man, said to be in his 30s, was detained in West Yorkshire and later transferred to London for questioning by the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide Command. UK authorities confirmed the arrest, saying investigations were being conducted in collaboration with Kenyan detectives.
“We can confirm a man has been arrested in connection with the death of Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya in 2012. Our investigation is ongoing,” the Met Police said.
A Case That Shocked Two Nations
Wanjiru, then 21, disappeared after a night out at Nanyuki’s Lions Court Hotel — a popular hangout for British troops training in Kenya. Weeks later, her body was discovered in the hotel’s septic tank.
At the time, witnesses alleged that a British soldier had confessed to killing her. Despite the confession claims, no arrest was made for over a decade, sparking anger and frustration among Kenyans.
Renewed international pressure in 2021 — following BBC and Sunday Times investigations — forced both governments to reopen the case.
Kenya Welcomes Arrest
Kenyan authorities have hailed the arrest as a step toward long-awaited justice.
“We appreciate the cooperation from our UK counterparts. The family of Agnes Wanjiru has waited too long,” said DCI spokesperson Peter Kimanthi.
Wanjiru’s family, who has endured 13 years of silence and heartbreak, expressed cautious hope.
“My sister’s spirit can finally rest,” said her sibling Rose Wanjiru, speaking from Nanyuki.
Symbol of Justice and Inequality
The case has become a symbol of justice delayed and international accountability. Critics accuse both Kenya and the UK of failing to act sooner due to diplomatic sensitivities.
Human rights groups say the arrest should mark the beginning of a broader investigation into misconduct by foreign troops in host countries.
“Justice must not be selective. Every victim deserves their day in court,” said Amnesty International Kenya.
A Decade-Long Wait for Closure
Agnes Wanjiru’s story represents more than one woman’s tragedy. It reflects the struggle faced by many victims of violence who are denied justice due to power and privilege.
As the suspect faces questioning in the UK, both nations — and Wanjiru’s family — now await one thing:
