UK Commits to Extradite Soldiers Linked to the Murder of a Kenyan Woman

The UK government says it is ready to extradite its soldiers linked to the murder of Kenyan woman Agnes Wanjiru to face charges in Kenya.

Visiting British Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey, who jetted in Kenya this week, insisted that the UK has nothing to hide and will cooperate with Kenyan authorities to ensure Wanjiru and her family get justice.

“As a country we feel that justice for Wanjiru’S family must be served urgently and, as a matter of fact, we are willing to extradite the suspects to face justice in Kenya,” Heappey told reporters on Wednesday.

Heappy, who spoke at the British army training unit in Nanyuki, admitted the incident has dented the image of the British soldiers and “must be corrected.”

“I want to make it clear to everyone that the UK has nothing to hide. Our agreement with Kenya allows us to bring suspects for trial and we are willing to do that.”

This week, Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai directed detectives to reopen the case and compile all the available evidence and witness accounts and ensure the case is concluded before a court of law.

The lifeless body of Wanjiru, a 21-year-old sex worker, was discovered in a septic tank at Lions Court Inn Hotel in Nanyuki, where she had been partying with British soldiers on the night of March 31st, 2012. She is reported to have left the seating area in the company of one of the British soldiers and that was the last time she was seen alive.

The Sunday Times, a UK publication, reported last month that a British soldier confessed to killing Wanjiru and showed his colleagues where he dumped her body. 

The revelations have triggered fresh calls for an investigation and justice for Wanjiru, who left behind a five-month-old daughter.