UK troops 'involved in Kenya death'

British soldiers were allegedly involved in the murder of a 21-year-old Kenyan woman, it was reported today.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it was ready to assist investigations into the death of Agnes Wanjiru-Wanjiku, whose body was found in a septic tank in a hotel in Nanyuki in June, more than two months after she disappeared.

Military personnel could potentially be called as witnesses in the case, the MoD indicated.

The Army has a training facility in the town, where troops are prepared for the conditions they will face on operations in Afghanistan.

Witnesses in Nanyuki told Sky News Ms Wanjiru-Wanjiku was seen entering the hotel with two British soldiers on March 31.

An MoD spokeswoman said: "This is an ongoing Kenyan investigation. We understand that individuals who were in the local area, potentially including some military personnel, may be called on as witnesses in the case.

"We stand by to offer any assistance and co-operation that is required. As this is an ongoing Kenyan investigation it would be inappropriate for the Ministry of Defence to comment further."

No individuals have been charged by the authorities in the East African country and no allegations have been officially levied.

Human rights organisation Social Watch has written to the Kenyan department of public prosecutions complaining the case had not been properly investigated.

The organisation said witnesses reported Ms Wanjiru-Wanjiku was last seen with a British soldier.

The letter, obtained by Sky News, claimed that "a night guard witnessed a fierce fight in the room Wanjiru and the British soldier were occupying".

The police were accused of taking a "casual stance" and of not being willing to pursue British military personnel.

The department of public prosecutions has written to police in Nanyuki demanding a progress report on the case, Kenya's The Standard newspaper reported.

It is not the first time allegations have been made about the conduct of British troops in Nanyuki.

In April this year it was reported more than 200 troops were involved in a brawl at the town's Sportsman's Arms bar.

PA