NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Kingdom has reiterated its commitment to supporting justice for the family of Agnes Wanjiru, the Kenyan woman murdered in 2012, following the issuance of an arrest warrant against a British national linked to the case.
In a statement on Tuesday, a UK government spokesperson expressed solidarity with Wanjiru’s family, saying, “We remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice. 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 case remains under Kenyan jurisdiction but confirmed that British authorities have provided assistance.
Officials also pointed out that it is longstanding UK policy to neither confirm nor deny the existence of an extradition request before an arrest is made.
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old freelance hairdresser and mother of a four-month-old baby, disappeared on March 31, 2012, after being last seen at Lions Court Lodge in Nanyuki in the company of British soldiers.
Her body was discovered on June 5, 2012, dumped in a septic tank at the same lodge.
The case has long drawn international attention, with her family and rights groups demanding accountability.
The UK government’s latest statement comes days after Defence Secretary’s visit to Kenya, during which he met Wanjiru’s relatives and welcomed confirmation that the case file had been handed to the DPP for charging.
Last week, the High Court in Nairobi issued a warrant of arrest for the suspect, after Justice Alexander Muteti ruled there was probable cause to institute murder charges.
The judge directed that extradition proceedings be initiated to bring the suspect before a Kenyan court.
Acting Deputy DPP Vincent Monda and Homicide Division head Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that Kenya will now seek the suspect’s surrender.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on October 21, 2025, for further directions.
