Niece of Kenyan woman allegedly murdered by British soldier meets with defence secretary

The niece of a Kenyan woman allegedly murdered by a British soldier has met with the UK's Defence Secretary to fight for the accused man's extradition.

Esther Njoki, 21, was eight-years-old when her aunt Agnes Wanjiru, 21, was found dead in 2012. Her body was discovered in a hotel septic tank close to a British Army base in Nanyuki, Kenya, two months after her disappearance.

Kenyan prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for the British soldier accused of the murder. He has been living freely in the UK since.

Today, Esther, who is the family's spokesperson, held a meeting with Defence Secretary John Healey to make the case for him to be extradited to Kenya. Ms Njoki told Sky News' The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee that she would keep fighting for justice.

She said: "My reason for my visit is to keep on putting pressure on. Extradition must be done, the family want him extradited to Kenya.

"He should not be excused for any reason just because he had an army uniform." Ms Njoki added: "I am also here because I want change, change must begin with us. "It doesn't matter where I come from.

I come from the same background Agnes came from. I know they took advantage because my family was not able.

"I know things are changing since I stepped up to say what is happening and holding the government accountable." She added: "If we can change the entire system, I think we will secure a great future for other generations because my family has had to go through hell." Read more:'Many mistakes' made over COVID school closuresUK's 'most remote pub' cancels Harry Potter-themed party Mr Healey, who previously met Ms Njoki in April 2025 during a visit to Kenya, paid tribute to Esther and said the government would support the Kenyan investigation. He said: "I want to pay tribute to Esther, who is an extraordinary spokesperson for her family, and for women who have suffered violence.

"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.".