Agnes Wanjiru's family demands justice and compensation before Kenya-UK defence agreement renewal
via Tuko5 min read
The family of Agnes Wanjiru is urging Kenya and the United Kingdom to prioritize justice and compensation before renewing the British Army Training Unit in Kenya BATUK Defence Cooperation Agreement. Esther Njoki, Wanjiru's niece, is leading the campaign, stating that the family will continue fighting until Robert James Purkiss, the former British soldier charged with Wanjiru's murder, is tried and held accountable. The family argues that the renewal of the agreement ignores the pain of victims and communities affected by British troops in Kenya. Njoki emphasized that justice must take precedence over diplomatic and military interests, highlighting the emotional and financial burden on Wanjiru's daughter, who was five months old when her mother died. Njoki has taken her advocacy to the House of Commons in London and met with UK Defence Secretary John Healey, but maintains that meaningful action is incomplete. Beyond Wanjiru's case, activists and local residents at a Nanyuki meeting raised broader concerns about BATUK's operations, including alleged misconduct, environmental damage, and abandoned children reportedly fathered by British soldiers. They also criticized the Kenyan government for not honoring earlier commitments to delay the agreement's renewal until justice was served. The gathering explored submitting a petition to Parliament and relevant agencies to seek reforms to the agreement or BATUK's withdrawal from Kenya. The family's quest for justice was reignited by rev
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