NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has formally kicked off the extradition of a British soldier accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki more than a decade ago, marking a major step in the long-delayed pursuit of justice.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Monday confirmed that the extradition request has been transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General (AG), which acts as the central authority for such international legal processes.
In court filings, the AG’s office said it forwarded two physical copies and a digital version of the extradition documents to the United Kingdom on October 9, 2025, through diplomatic channels. The UK authorities acknowledged receipt on October 13.
“The extradition process has been initiated. We have done our part and are now waiting for the Attorney General to forward the documents to the UK central authority,” the court heard.
The prosecution requested that the case be mentioned in January 2026 to confirm progress on the suspect’s arrest and surrender.
Prosecutors told the court that the process was underway but complex, involving several agencies in both countries.
“This is a complex process involving multiple parties both locally and internationally,” said the prosecutor. “We understand the family’s frustration after more than 10 years of waiting, but we urge patience as the procedure unfolds.”
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, disappeared in March 2012. Her body was later found in a septic tank near a Nanyuki hotel frequently used by British soldiers for training.
The case has since drawn international outrage and renewed scrutiny over military accountability.
In its ruling, the court acknowledged that extradition procedures are lengthy and largely outside Kenya’s control once the documents are transmitted abroad.
Justice Alexander Muteti, however, rejected the prosecution’s proposal to delay the next mention until January, directing that the matter be mentioned monthly to ensure progress is tracked.
“This court agrees that the process should not be delayed. The DPP shall update the court regularly, at least once every month, to ensure accountability and progress,” Justice Muteti ruled.
The court also cautioned both sides against public commentary on the matter, ordering that any materials shared with victims’ representatives remain confidential to avoid “a trial outside court.”
The case will next be mentioned on November 24, 2025.
Last month, Justice Muteti issued a warrant of arrest for the British national accused of Wanjiru’s killing, directing the DPP to transmit the order through official channels.
“The court issued a warrant of arrest and the DPP has dutifully transmitted it to the AG. The process is now in the hands of the AG,” the ruling noted.
The extradition marks the most significant progress yet in a case that has long haunted Wanjiru’s family and strained Kenya–UK relations.
