In Courts: Judge to receive extradition update on Briton in Agnes Wanjiru murder case

The High Court is today expected to receive an update on the status of the extradition process involving a British national suspected of murdering Agnes Wanjiru in 2012.

The briefing follows an earlier directive by Justice Alexander Muteti requiring the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to file monthly progress reports to track the steps taken toward securing the suspect’s surrender.

In a previous mention on October 21, State Counsel Gikui Gichuhi informed the court that the extradition procedure had formally commenced.

She explained that the Attorney-General’s Office—Kenya’s central authority for extradition matters—had received and was processing a formal request from the DPP seeking the suspect’s arrest and transfer from the United Kingdom (UK).

According to her submissions, physical and soft copies of the request were forwarded to UK authorities on October 9, with receipt of at least one document confirmed on October 13.

Gichuhi clarified that the process now awaits further action from the Attorney-General, who will transmit the request to the appropriate UK central authority.

She noted that communication is being conducted through both physical and electronic channels to enhance coordination between the two governments.

Representatives of Wanjiru’s family expressed deep frustration over what they termed prolonged delays since her disappearance in 2012 and the subsequent discovery of her body.

They highlighted past inquest findings that pointed to a British soldier as a suspect and questioned why the case had taken years to gain traction.  Further, they appealed for faster action and improved communication between Kenyan and British officials.

In response, the ODPP reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the case to its conclusion, noting that while the family’s participation is welcome, prosecution responsibilities rest solely with its office.

It urged patience, stressing that extradition involves multiple agencies across two jurisdictions and often takes considerable time.

Nonetheless, the prosecution assured the court that it would continue pushing to expedite the matter.

The case marked the first formal acknowledgment in court that the extradition process is underway, following the High Court’s September 16, 2025 order issuing an arrest warrant for the UK suspect.

In another case, the High Court is expected to issue directions today in a case challenging President William Ruto’s decision to create a panel of experts on compensation of victims of demonstrations and public protests.

.The application, filed under a certificate of urgency by four petitioners, namely, Magare Gikenyi, Karanja Matindi, Philemon Abuga Nyakundi, and Dishon Keroti Mogire, questions the constitutionality and legality of the presidential panel unveiled.