Kenya Begins Extradition Process for British Soldier Accused in Agnes Wanjiru’s 2012 Murder

 

By Sheila Keter 

 Kenya has officially launched the extradition process for a British national accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman whose body was discovered in 2012 near a British military base in Nanyuki.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed this week that all necessary documentation has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers, marking a significant milestone in the protracted case. The suspect, a former British soldier, has been under investigation since renewed interest in the case emerged in 2021, following explosive reports in British media linking him to Wanjiru’s death.

“This is a crucial step forward in the pursuit of justice for Agnes Wanjiru and her family,” the ODPP said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that due process is followed and that justice is served without further delay.”

Wanjiru’s body was discovered in a septic tank behind the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki, not far from a British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) base. Despite early witness testimonies implicating a British soldier, the case stagnated for nearly a decade, sparking widespread outrage in Kenya and beyond over the lack of accountability.

In a move aimed at expediting the legal process, the court has directed that the matter will now be mentioned on a monthly basis to track progress in the extradition, instead of waiting for a single long hearing. Legal experts say this approach is likely to enhance transparency and prevent unnecessary delays.

Wanjiru’s family, who have long campaigned for justice, welcomed the development with cautious optimism. “We just want to see justice served,” said a family representative. “For years we’ve been waiting for answers. Maybe now, there is a path forward.”

Human rights advocates have also applauded the government’s renewed commitment to the case. “This extradition is not just about Agnes Wanjiru,” said Nyambura Mwangi of the Justice and Dignity Foundation. “It is about reaffirming that no one is above the law—regardless of nationality, status, or uniform.”

The suspect’s name has not been publicly disclosed by Kenyan authorities, citing legal and procedural constraints. However, British investigative reports in 2021 revealed that several soldiers had been present with Wanjiru on the night of her disappearance, and one was later accused by fellow troops of confessing to the murder.

Efforts to secure cooperation from British authorities have intensified in recent years. While the UK government has previously stated its willingness to assist in the investigation, extradition proceedings have remained a sensitive diplomatic issue.

If successful, the extradition will clear the way for the suspect to face trial in a Kenyan court, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving foreign nationals implicated in serious crimes committed on Kenyan soil.

The next court mention in the extradition process is scheduled for November, with the ODPP vowing to keep the public informed at every stage.

As the wheels of justice begin to turn, many in Kenya—and particularly in Wanjiru’s home community—are watching closely, hoping that after more than a decade of silence and sorrow, justice may finally be within reach.