Defence Secretary met with Agnes Wanjiru’s family to offer condolences, fulfilling his commitment and making him the first UK Minister to meet with them
In a historic and emotionally charged visit to Kenya, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan national who was tragically killed in 2012. This marked the first time a UK Government Minister has met with Wanjiru’s family, highlighting the UK’s commitment to transparency and justice in the case. The meeting took place at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Nairobi, shortly after the 13th anniversary of Agnes Wanjiru’s death. During the encounter, Defence Secretary Healey listened to the family’s concerns and expressed his condolences. He reiterated the UK’s determination to support the Kenyan investigation into the case, emphasizing the importance of achieving justice for Ms. Wanjiru and her family.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP stated, “The purpose of my visit to Kenya was to meet Agnes Wanjiru’s family, who have shown unimaginable strength since losing her in the most horrendous circumstances 13 years ago. I reiterated that the UK Government stands with them in their fight for justice.”
He also welcomed the recent confirmation that the case file has been handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a charging decision. Healey emphasized the significance of this step, stating, “This is a really significant step in resolving this case; we will continue to work closely with the Kenyan authorities to push for progress and secure the justice the family deserve.”
Beyond the emotional and legal aspects of the visit, the Defence Secretary’s trip also served to reaffirm the UK’s strategic partnership with Kenya. The UK-Kenya defence partnership is a cornerstone of regional security, encompassing a broad program of cooperation in training, education, and capability development. This partnership is crucial in countering shared security threats and maintaining peace in East Africa.
During his visit, Healey had the opportunity to see firsthand the UK’s contributions to regional peace and security. He met with the Nairobi-based British Peace Support Team (Africa), which trains Kenyan and regional troops preparing for peace support operations across Africa. This training is vital in reinforcing Kenya’s regional role in supporting peace and countering insurgency.
The Defence Secretary also held discussions with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya. The talks focused on mutual security interests, the role of British forces in training Kenyan troops, and collaborative efforts to address regional security challenges. These discussions underscored the UK’s commitment to national security, as outlined in the Plan for Change, which prioritizes national security as the government’s first duty.
Reflecting on the importance of the UK-Kenya relationship, Defence Secretary Healey said, “Kenya is an anchor state in an unstable region, and the UK relies and looks to Kenya for regional security. We share the same concerns over growing threats in the region. UK forces already train over 1,100 Kenya Defence Forces personnel and reinforce Kenya’s regional role in supporting peace and countering insurgency. I look forward to developing this work in the future.”
The visit by Defence Secretary John Healey to Kenya is a testament to the enduring and vital partnership between the UK and Kenya. It highlights the UK’s commitment to justice, transparency, and regional security. As both nations continue to collaborate on shared security interests, the partnership is set to strengthen, ensuring peace and stability in East Africa.
Moreover, this visit underscores the UK’s dedication to supporting Kenya not only in matters of security but also in addressing human rights and justice. The meeting with Agnes Wanjiru’s family is a significant step towards acknowledging the pain and loss experienced by the family and the broader community. It sends a clear message that the UK stands with Kenya in its pursuit of justice and accountability.
As the case moves forward with the involvement of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the UK’s support will be crucial in ensuring a thorough and fair investigation. The collaboration between the UK and Kenyan authorities is expected to bring about a resolution that honors Agnes Wanjiru’s memory and provides closure for her family.
Healey’s visit to Kenya is a multifaceted effort that addresses both the emotional and strategic dimensions of the UK-Kenya relationship. It reaffirms the UK’s commitment to justice, regional security, and the ongoing partnership with Kenya. As both nations look to the future, the strengthened ties and collaborative efforts will continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in East Africa.
