The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has obtained a warrant of arrest for a British national in connection with the brutal murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a young mother killed in Nanyuki more than a decade ago.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 16, ODDP confirmed that the pursuit of justice for Wanjiru has gained fresh momentum after years of delayed accountability in a case that has sparked national outrage and international attention.
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old freelance hairdresser and mother to a four-month-old infant, disappeared on March 31, 2012, after being last seen at Lions Court Lodge in Nanyuki.
Her body was later discovered in a septic tank at the same lodge on June 5, 2012, bringing the tragic case into the spotlight and raising questions about the conduct of British soldiers stationed in Kenya.
The young mother, who worked as a hairdresser and occasionally engaged in sex work to supplement her income, had left behind her five-month-old daughter Stacey when she vanished that fateful night.
Witnesses reported that she was last seen leaving the hotel bar in the company of British soldiers who were in Kenya for training exercises.
On Tuesday, the DPP informed the High Court that evidence gathered during investigations directly links the suspect, a United Kingdom citizen, to the murder. The prosecution then sought a warrant of arrest to facilitate extradition proceedings against the accused.
Justice Alexander Muteti granted the request, ruling that murder constitutes an extraditable offense and that there was probable cause to institute murder charges against the British national. The judge’s decision paves the way for what could be a landmark case in international justice.
Following the court ruling, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), represented by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, OGW, and Head of the Homicide Division Gikui Gichuhi, confirmed that extradition proceedings would now be initiated to ensure the suspect faces justice in a Kenyan court.
A UK government spokesperson commenting on the DPP’s decision stated, “Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, and 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 Ms Wanjiru in 2012. This is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, and we will not comment further at this stage.”
In April 2025, criminal investigators in Kenya announced they had concluded their probe into Wanjiru’s death, with the office of the public prosecutor receiving the complete case file and assembling a team of senior prosecutors to review the evidence.
The family of Agnes Wanjiru has consistently advocated for justice, expressing frustration over the years-long delay in bringing charges. Their persistence was acknowledged during a recent visit by UK Defense Secretary John Healey, who met with Wanjiru’s relatives and pledged government support.
“It was deeply humbling to meet the family of Agnes Wanjiru today. In the 13 years since her death, they have shown such strength in their long fight for justice,” Healey stated. “We will continue to offer our full support to the Kenyan authorities.”
The matter is scheduled to return to court on October 21, 2025, for further directions as the legal process progresses.
