The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting justice for the family of Agnes Wanjiru.
This follows the
issuance of an arrest warrant for a British national in connection with her
2012 murder.
In a statement on Tuesday, a UK
government spokesperson said their thoughts remain with Wanjiru’s family.
“We remain absolutely committed to
helping them secure justice,” he said.
“We understand that the Kenyan
Director of Public Prosecutions has determined that a British National should
face trial in relation to the murder of Wanjiru in 2012. This is subject to
ongoing legal proceedings and we will not comment further at this stage.”
The UK stressed that the
investigation falls under Kenyan jurisdiction, though British authorities have
provided support.
Officials also noted it is
longstanding government policy to neither confirm nor deny the existence of an
extradition request before an arrest has taken place.
Agnes Wanjiru was killed in Nanyuki
in 2012.
Her body was later found in a septic
tank near a hotel frequented by British soldiers.
The case has drawn international
attention, with her family consistently calling for justice.
The statement comes after the
Defence Secretary’s visit to Kenya, during which he met with Wanjiru’s family
and welcomed the confirmation that the case file had been handed to the
Director of Public Prosecutions for a charging decision.
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old
freelance hairdresser and mother to a four-month-old infant, disappeared on
March 31, 2012, after being last seen at Lions Court Lodge in Nanyuki.
Her body was later
discovered in a septic tank at the same lodge on June 5, 2012, sparking
national outrage and calls for accountability.
Earlier on, the DPP
informed the High Court that evidence gathered links the suspect, a UK citizen,
to the murder.
The DPP then sought a
warrant of arrest to pave the way for extradition proceedings.
Justice Alexander Muteti
granted the request, ruling that murder is an extraditable offence and that
there was probable cause to institute murder charges against the accused.
Following the ruling, the
Office of the DPP, represented by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Vincent Monda and Head of the Homicide Division Gikui Gichuhi, confirmed that
extradition proceedings would now be initiated to ensure the suspect is brought
before a Kenyan court.
The matter will return to
court on October 21, 2025, for further directions.
