A Nairobi High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national in connection with the 2012 murder of 21-year-old Kenyan mother Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was discovered in a septic tank near Nanyuki over a decade ago.
Justice Alexander Muteti ruled on Tuesday that there was “probable cause” linking the suspect, identified as a United Kingdom citizen, to the killing.
The court ordered his arrest and extradition to Kenya for trial.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that extradition proceedings would now be initiated, stating: “Evidence gathered links the suspect to the murder.”
Wanjiru’s sister, Rose Wanyua Wanjiku, expressed relief, telling AFP: “As a family, we are very happy because it has been many years, but now we can see a step has been made. Let justice prevail.”
The British government acknowledged Kenya’s decision, saying it remained “absolutely committed to helping secure justice” but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Wanjiru was last seen in 2012 after a night out with British soldiers stationed at the permanent army garrison in Nanyuki, 200 kilometers north of Nairobi. Her body was later found in a septic tank at a hotel.
In 2021, a Sunday Times investigation revealed that a soldier allegedly confessed to fellow servicemen about the killing, even showing them Wanjiru’s body. Despite reports to military superiors, no action was taken.
A Kenyan investigation reopened in 2019 failed to yield results until now.
Earlier this year, British Defence Minister John Healey met Wanjiru’s family and pledged to “accelerate progress” in the case.
The British Army Training Unit in Kenya, long seen as vital to Nanyuki’s economy, has faced criticism over misconduct allegations involving soldiers.
