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A Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national suspected of murdering 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru more than a decade ago, a development that could finally pave the way for justice in a case that has stirred public outrage in both Kenya and the UK.
Wanjiru’s body was discovered in a septic tank at a hotel in Nanyuki in June 2012, nearly three months after she was last seen alive. She had reportedly spent the evening socializing with British soldiers stationed nearby at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk).
On Monday, Justice Alexander Muteti ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to compel the suspect’s appearance in a Kenyan court. The ruling marks a major milestone in the family’s long quest for justice.
“This is a welcome development,” said Kamau Mbiu, the lawyer representing Wanjiru’s family. “But we urge greater transparency, as this remains a matter of significant public interest.”
Extradition Process Set in Motion
The judge also ordered that the names of the accused and any witnesses be withheld to protect the integrity of the legal proceedings.
The ruling opens the door for extradition proceedings to begin in the United Kingdom. Tessa Gregory, the family’s UK-based legal representative, called on British authorities to act swiftly.
“We now call upon the British government to do everything in its power to ensure that the accused can be extradited and face trial in Kenya as soon as possible,” she said.
In a statement, a UK government spokesperson said:
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice.”
Citing the ongoing legal process, they declined to comment further.
Long-Awaited Progress in a Decade-Old Case
Agnes Wanjiru left behind a young daughter. Her family, still living in Nanyuki—about 200km north of Nairobi—has spent the last 11 years demanding accountability.
Esther Njoki, Wanjiru’s niece, said that the ruling was “a bittersweet moment,” acknowledging that while it was a step forward, the extradition process could still face delays.
Kenya’s prosecution has assured the court that key witnesses currently residing in the UK would be made available to testify, allowing the trial to proceed once the suspect is extradited.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence previously confirmed it is cooperating with the Kenyan investigation. The case has drawn widespread attention and criticism, with activists and lawmakers calling for greater accountability from both governments.
