Agnes Wanjiru murder: Extradition process for Briton suspect underway, court told

The High Court has been informed that the process to extradite a United Kingdom (UK) national suspected of murdering Agnes Wanjiru in 2012 has formally begun.

State Counsel Gikui Gichuhi appearing before Justice Alexander Muteti on Tuesday, told the court that the Attorney-General’s Office, which serves as Kenya’s central authority in extradition matters, has received and is processing the request for the suspect’s surrender from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“As per our letter dated October 9, we forwarded two physical copies of the extradition request and a soft copy through the official email address to the UK authorities,” the state counsel stated.

“We confirmed receipt of one of the documents, which was stamped on October 13. We have initiated the extradition process and are now waiting for the Attorney-General to forward the request to the UK central authority.”

She further explained that the transmission will be handled through both physical and digital channels, a system designed to enhance coordination between the two governments.

The counsel requested the court to set a date in January 2026 to confirm progress on the arrest and surrender of the fugitive once the UK authorities respond through diplomatic channels.

During the brief mention, representatives of Wanjiru’s family voiced frustration at what they described as years of inaction since her disappearance in 2012 and the discovery of her body two months later.

They noted that although an inquest conducted earlier had identified a British soldier in connection with the incident, the prosecution process had taken time to progress the case.

“We have not heard from the prosecution that they are going to fast-track this process,” a family representative told the court, urging faster communication between Kenyan and British officials.

In a rejoinder, the ODPP clarified that the roles of the victims and the prosecution in the Wanjiru case are distinct.

The ODPP said it would take full charge of the prosecution while welcoming the family’s participation and support.

The prosecution emphasised its commitment to ensuring the matter, which has remained unresolved for over a decade, is concluded expeditiously.

It, however, urged patience, noting that the extradition process involves multiple local and international actors and takes time.

“We will do everything within our power to move the matter faster,” the ODPP stated.

This marks the first official confirmation in court that the extradition procedure is underway, following the High Court’s September 16, 2025, order issuing a warrant of arrest for the UK suspect linked to the murder.

Justice Alexander Muteti directed that Wanjiru murder case be mentioned monthly to track progress in the extradition of the UK suspect.

He noted that extradition is a lengthy and complex process, now in the hands of the Attorney-General, after the DPP transmitted the warrant of arrest.

“The court issued a warrant of arrest, and DPP has dutifully transmitted it to the AG. The process is now in the hands of AG,” he observed.

The judge cautioned that Kenyan authorities have limited control over the UK process but stressed that it should not be delayed.

Justice Muteti acknowledged the update and directed the matter to be mentioned on November 24, 2025.