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CrimeAfrica

Arrest Warrant Issued for British National in Kenya's Longstanding Murder Case

Kenya's High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national suspected of murdering Agnes Wanjiru, a young mother, over a decade ago. The move advances the possibility of extradition from the UK as families seek justice.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Arrest Warrant Issued for British National in Kenya's Longstanding Murder Case
Image via bbc.co.uk

In brief

In a significant legal development, a Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national linked to the murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in 2012. Wanjiru's body was found months after she was reported missing, having allegedly spent time with British soldiers. This warrant may lead to her accused's extradition from the UK, marking a crucial step in her family's pursuit of justice. The UK government has expressed its commitment to support the investigation.

A Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national suspected of murdering a 21-year-old woman more than a decade ago.

Agnes Wanjiru was killed in March 2012 and her body later found in a septic tank of a hotel in the central garrison town of Nanyuki nearly three months after she had allegedly spent an evening partying with British soldiers.

Justice Alexander Muteti said prosecutors had provided sufficient evidence to request that the suspect appear before a Kenyan court for trial.

The lawyer representing Ms Wanjiru's family, Kamau Mbiu, told the BBC the ruling paved the way for proceedings to start for the suspect's extradition from the UK.

We welcome it, but we urge greater transparency, as this remains a matter of public interest, Mr Mbiu said.

The judge directed that the identities of the accused and witnesses not be published, saying this was necessary in order to protect the integrity of the trial.

In a statement, a UK government spokesperson said: Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice.

The spokesperson said no further comment would be made at this stage because of the ongoing legal proceedings.

The UK's Ministry of Defence has previously said it is co-operating with the Kenyan investigation into the case, which has caused outrage in the East African nation.

The family of Ms Wanjiru, who left behind a young daughter, have long been fighting for justice.

Their legal representative, Tessa Gregory, has called upon the British Government to ensure that the accused can be extradited and face trial in Kenya as soon as possible.

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