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A detention order was granted against a UK citizen suspected of the murder of Kenyan woman Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was discovered in 2012 within the premises of a hotel near a army base.

Court Proceedings and Extradition Request

Presiding justice the Kenyan judge issued the warrant this week, with prosecutors stating that a individual had been officially accused with murder and that extradition steps would be initiated.

Witnesses located in the UK are expected to give evidence at the trial, as stated by the prosecution. “The witnesses are in United Kingdom but we will ensure their presence,” the court was informed.

Background of the Case

The victim, twenty-one, was spotted in the company of British soldiers on the night of 31 March 2012 at the local hotel in Nanyuki.

She went missing that same night, and after a long search her body was discovered concealed in a waste container at the hotel.

The deceased worked as a stylist and occasionally engaged in sex work to earn extra money. She was survived by a daughter, her young girl, who was an infant at the time of her mother’s disappearance.

Relative’s Response and Legal Steps

“Our family has endured with the anguish of her loss for more than ten years,” the relatives stated. “The reports that an detention order has been granted is a significant step for us.”

Their lawyer added: “The family now calls upon the British government to take all steps possible to ensure that the suspect can be extradited and stands trial in Kenya as soon as possible.”

If the individual is extradited, it would represent the first time a current or former British soldier has been extradited to another country to face trial for the killing of a non-combatant.

Investigation and Previous Inquiries

So far, the death of the victim has been the subject of multiple inquiries and several official probes.

The bar at the Lion’s Court hotel was a popular spot for UK troops stationed at the nearby military camp.

A suspect was named by several servicemen after a media report in recent years.

Since then, investigators have allegedly visited the UK multiple times to question soldiers and ex-soldiers who were present at the time of the murder.

Official Statements

In recent months, the UK defence secretary met with Wanjiru’s family and promised complete cooperation for the investigation.

“It was deeply humbling to see the family of the victim,” he stated. “In the long years since her passing, they have demonstrated great resilience in their pursuit for accountability.”

Future Proceedings

No timeline has been set for the transfer hearing or future trial. The matter is set to be mentioned again in Kenyan judiciary on 21 October.