🔗 Share this article

A detention order has been issued against a UK citizen suspected of the homicide of Kenyan female Agnes Wanjiru, whose remains was discovered in 2012 on the grounds of a hotel near a army camp.

Court Proceedings and Extradition Request

High court judge the Kenyan judge issued the order on Tuesday, with state lawyers confirming that a suspect had been formally charged with murder and that transfer steps would be initiated.

Witnesses located in the UK are expected to testify during the trial, according to the prosecution. “Those individuals are abroad but we will ensure their presence,” the judge heard.

Background of the Case

The victim, twenty-one, was last seen with British soldiers on the evening of March 31, 2012 at the local hotel in her hometown.

She disappeared that same night, and months later her remains was found concealed in a waste container at the hotel.

Wanjiru worked as a stylist and at times sold sex work to supplement her income. She left behind a daughter, Stacey, who was five months old at the moment of her mother’s death.

Relative’s Response and Legal Steps

“We have lived with the pain of Agnes’s death for over a decade,” the relatives stated. “This news that an arrest warrant has been issued is a significant step for us.”

The family’s legal representative commented: “The family now calls upon the British government to take all steps possible to guarantee that the suspect is transferred and stands trial in Kenya as soon as possible.”

If the suspect is extradited, it would mark the first time a current or former British serviceman has been extradited to a foreign nation to be prosecuted for the murder of a non-combatant.

Investigation and Previous Inquiries

Thus far, the death of Wanjiru has been the focus of multiple inquiries and several official probes.

The venue at the establishment was a popular location for UK troops stationed at the local training unit.

An individual was identified by multiple soldiers following a media report in recent years.

Since then, investigators have reportedly traveled to the UK multiple times to interview military personnel who were in the area at the date of the incident.

Official Statements

In recent months, the British official visited the relatives and promised complete cooperation for the investigation.

“I was deeply humbling to see the family of the victim,” the official said. “In the 13 years since her passing, they have shown great resilience in their pursuit for accountability.”

Next Steps

No date has been confirmed for the extradition hearing or future trial. The case is scheduled to be heard again in Kenyan judiciary on 21 October.