Agnes Wanjiru’s niece urges Labour to expedite ex-soldier's

Published: 16 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The niece of Agnes Wanjiru, the young Kenyan woman who was murdered in 2012, has urged the Labour government to ensure that the former British soldier charged with her aunt’s death is extradited while the party remains in power. Esther Njoki, 21, travelled to London for her first trip outside Kenya and met Defence Secretary John Healey, appealing for the extradition process to be accelerated, potentially shortening what could otherwise be a lengthy and drawn-out legal procedure.

Njoki, who acts as the spokesperson for Wanjiru’s family, expressed hope that progress in the case would not stall under a future government. “We are hoping that before his time ends and they get out of government, he will have achieved what he wanted to achieve in Agnes’ case, and it will be good for him, and also for [Wanjiru’s] family, and the whole world, because everyone is watching,” she said.

She noted a “big change” in the UK’s approach since Labour assumed office last year. “Before it was very hard for us even to engage,” she said. “We never even got a chance to engage with the UK authorities, but now it is easy even to get to meet with the Secretary of State for Defence. We appreciate that, we don’t take it for granted.”

Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old hairdresser, disappeared after a night out in Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2012. Her body was later discovered in the grounds of the hotel where she had last been seen. Last month, a Kenyan court issued a warrant for the arrest of Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier charged with a single count of murder in connection with Wanjiru’s death.

Njoki stressed the importance of expediting the extradition process. “I’m hoping that whatever we discussed will be taken into consideration, and things will be fast-tracked, because there’s the extradition process that is ahead,” she said. “I believe his hands are tied. He can’t do much because he might prejudice the criminal matter. But again, if there is political will, things might go faster. We’re just hoping that things will be taken seriously and they’ll keep us updated as the family, and ensure that justice is served.”

Healey, who had previously urged the former government to act on the Wanjiru case, met the family in Kenya in April, becoming the first UK minister to do so. Njoki expressed her gratitude, emphasising the significance of the minister’s engagement. “It’s the second time he’s been a senior official. It’s hard to meet such people, so I appreciate the support that he always gives, and being willing to meet us and to listen to our grievances,” she said. “We don’t take it for granted, and I appreciate him because we are seeing things changing, and he’s the first minister to meet us for over 13 years.”

During her five-day visit to the UK, Njoki participated in media interviews to raise awareness of the case and appeared on a panel at the House of Commons. The discussion featured Ben Keith, a barrister specialising in international law and extradition, and Tessa Gregory, the UK lawyer representing Wanjiru’s family. Njoki said her advocacy aimed not only to secure justice for her aunt but also to improve the lives of women in Kenya. “This is a way of changing things, just small steps,” she said. “It’s a sign of hope that everything is possible. Despite where you come from, your background doesn’t have to define you.”

Healey praised Njoki for her courage and dedication. “Six months since our first meeting in Kenya, I was pleased to welcome the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru, Esther Njoki, to London, to reiterate our government’s steadfast support for her family’s long and painful fight for justice,” he said. “I want to pay tribute to Esther, who is an extraordinary spokesperson for her family, and for women who have suffered violence.”

He added that significant progress had been made in recent months. “We reflected on the significant progress made in recent months, with the case file being handed to the director of public prosecutions in April and a charging decision being made last month. Our government will continue to do everything we can to support the Kenyan investigation, secure a resolution to this case and finally bring peace to Esther and her grieving family.”

The case has drawn international attention and highlights broader issues of accountability, justice, and the role of governments in supporting victims’ families. The Wanjiru family’s advocacy reflects the persistent struggles faced by families seeking justice across borders and the importance of political will in ensuring that legal processes are not unduly delayed.

Njoki’s visit underscores the personal and emotional toll such cases take on families and the significance of sustained diplomatic and legal support. Her work also serves as an example of how young advocates can leverage their voices to hold governments accountable and push for tangible outcomes in high-profile legal cases.

As discussions continue in London and Nairobi, the Wanjiru family hopes that expedited action on the extradition of Purkiss will demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to justice, while also providing closure to a family that has waited over a decade for accountability. Njoki’s determination to maintain public attention on the case ensures that the story remains a priority for both the British and Kenyan authorities, highlighting the intersection of justice, diplomacy, and human rights in complex international cases.

The family’s plea and ongoing engagement with the Labour government reflect a rare moment of progress in a case that had previously faced years of stagnation. By keeping pressure on both political and legal institutions, Njoki hopes that her aunt’s case will set a precedent for swift and transparent handling of similar cases in the future.