UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP has met with Esther Njoki, the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru, in London as part of ongoing efforts to support the pursuit of justice for the Kenyan woman who was murdered in 2012.
The meeting marks only the second time a UK Government minister has met representatives of Wanjiru’s family.
It comes six months after Healey’s visit to Kenya, where he became the first British minister to meet the family in person since Wanjiru’s killing.
During the London meeting on Tuesday, October 14, Healey reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to ensuring justice for Wanjiru.
"Six months since our first meeting in Kenya, I was pleased to welcome the niece of the late Agnes Wanjiru, Esther Njoki to London today, to reiterate our Government's steadfast support for her family's long and painful fight for justice.
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"I want to pay tribute to Esther, who is an extraordinary spokesperson for her family, and for women who have suffered violence," he said.
Healey also noted that progress has been made in the case, referencing recent developments within the Kenyan justice system and the ongoing collaboration between both governments.
"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," he added.
Following the meeting, Njoki spoke about the family’s enduring pain and their continued hope for justice after more than a decade of waiting.
"The loss of my beloved aunt, Agnes Wanjiru, has left a permanent scar on my family. It wasn't just the pain of losing her - it is the years of silence, frustration and trauma we've endured trying to get justice since," she said.
Njoki also acknowledged that recent developments in the case have given the family renewed hope, but emphasized that true justice can only be achieved through legal action.
She appealed to the UK Government to ensure full cooperation in the extradition and prosecution process so that her aunt’s case can finally reach closure.
"Since my family last met with the Secretary of State, there has been a major development with a former British soldier having been charged with my aunt's murder. This has given us a renewed sense of hope — but we are still far from achieving justice for Agnes.
"That's why this meeting with the Secretary of State is crucial. We are urging him and the Government to do everything in their power to ensure the man arrested is extradited to Kenya and faces trial without further delay," she added.
Wanjiru was killed in Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2012, near a British military base where soldiers were stationed for training.
On September 16, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the High Court that evidence gathered linked former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, to the murder.
As such, the DPP sought a warrant of arrest to pave the way for extradition proceedings.
Justice Alexander Muteti granted the request, ruling that murder is an extraditable offence and that there was probable cause to institute murder charges against the accused.
"The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) successfully secured an arrest warrant against a British National in relation to the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki. This follows an application made before the High Court at Nanyuki, presided over by Justice Alexander Muteti, who ruled that there is probable cause to institute murder charges against the accused. Murder is an extraditable offence under Kenyan law.
"The Office, represented by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, OGW, and Head of the Homicide Division Gikui Gichuhi, confirmed that extradition proceedings will now be initiated to ensure the suspect is brought before a Kenyan court. The matter will be mentioned again on 21st October 2025 for further directions," the ODPP said.
Purkiss was enlisted in the British Army in 2006, serving as a medic with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Over the course of his decade-long career, he was stationed at several UK bases, including Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, Tidworth Barracks in Wiltshire, and Weeton Barracks in Blackpool.
Purkiss also undertook multiple tours in Afghanistan before being deployed to Kenya with the British Army Training Unit (BATUK) in 2012 for warm-weather exercises.
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