A Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national accused of murdering 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in 2012, marking a major development in a case that has haunted her family and stirred public outrage in Kenya for over a decade.
Wanjiru’s tragic death occurred in March 2012, when her body was discovered in a septic tank at a hotel in Nanyuki, a central garrison town located near the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK). The young mother had reportedly been last seen alive partying with British soldiers before her disappearance, fueling suspicions that linked her death to visiting UK troops. For years, her family, civil society groups, and human rights advocates have demanded answers, justice, and accountability.
Presiding judge Justice Alexander Muteti ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to proceed with the matter and ordered that the suspect must appear before a Kenyan court for trial. The decision effectively opens the door for extradition proceedings from the United Kingdom, a step that Wanjiru’s family and legal representatives describe as long overdue.
Her family’s lawyer, Kamau Mbiu, welcomed the ruling but urged transparency as the trial progresses, emphasizing that the case is not only about Wanjiru but also about restoring public trust in Kenya’s justice system. “We welcome it, but we urge greater transparency, as this remains a matter of public interest,”
The court also directed that the identities of both the accused and witnesses remain sealed at this stage, citing the need to protect the integrity of the trial and safeguard those involved.
From the UK, a government spokesperson expressed sympathy for Wanjiru’s family and reiterated Britain’s commitment to supporting justice. “Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice,” the statement read. However, the spokesperson declined to make further comments due to the ongoing legal process. The UK’s Ministry of Defence has previously confirmed its cooperation with Kenyan investigators, acknowledging the international sensitivity and diplomatic weight surrounding the case.
The development has been described as both a milestone and a bittersweet moment by Wanjiru’s relatives. Her niece, Esther Njoki, highlighted the emotional weight of the court’s decision, noting that while it represents progress, the extradition process could still face delays. “It is a bitter-sweet moment,” she said, adding that her cousin’s young daughter continues to grow up without her mother.
Prosecutors assured the court that witnesses based in the UK would be made available for testimony in Kenya, a move that could expedite the trial once the extradition is finalized. Wanjiru’s UK-based lawyer, Tessa Gregory, also called on the British Government to act swiftly and ensure the accused is extradited without unnecessary delay. “It is now 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,” Gregory stated.
The murder of Agnes Wanjiru has remained a source of national grief and anger in Kenya for over a decade, raising questions about accountability in cases involving foreign troops stationed in Africa. The latest court ruling, however, represents a significant turning point, giving renewed hope to her family and supporters who have waited more than 12 years for justice to be served.
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