Kenyan Supreme Court Approves Detention Order for British National Connected with Killing of Young Mother
Rose Wanyua
A court in Kenya has authorized an arrest warrant for a individual from Britain suspected of the death of a young woman more than a decade ago.
Agnes Wanjiru was murdered in 2012 and her remains was later found in a septic tank of a lodge in the military town of Nanyuki almost three months after she had reportedly enjoyed an night socializing with British soldiers.
Justice Alexander Muteti stated that prosecutors had submitted sufficient proof to request that the suspect stand before a Kenyan court for trial.
The legal representative acting for the victim’s relatives, Kamau Mbiu, told that the decision cleared the path for steps to start for the suspect's extradition from the UK.
"It is welcomed, but we call for greater transparency, as this remains a matter of public interest," the lawyer added.
The court ordered that the identities of the accused and witnesses not be revealed, stating this was necessary in order to protect the fairness of the trial.
In a statement, a British official stated: "Our thoughts remain with the family of the victim and we remain fully dedicated to helping them obtain a resolution."
The spokesperson said that no additional statements 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 anger in the country.
The family of Ms Wanjiru, who left behind a young daughter, have for years fighting for answers.
They reside in the town, which is close to the British Army Training Unit Kenya - some 125 miles from the city, the capital.
Ms Wanjiru's niece, Esther Njoki, mentioned that the court order was "a bitter-sweet moment", noting the extradition process could be lengthy.
The prosecution informed the judge that witnesses currently based in the Britain would be made available for the proceedings, ensuring that it could proceed.
The lawyer representing the family, Tessa Gregory, stated it now called upon "UK authorities to do everything in its power to make certain that the accused can be sent and face trial in the country as soon as possible."
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