Kenyan US-Based Couple Faces Extradition Over Sh3.1m Murder-for-Hire Plot

Prosecutors in Naivasha are seeking the extradition of two suspects from the United States to face conspiracy-to-murder charges in a case involving an alleged plot against members of the same family.

The suspects, Alice Wanjohi, a Kenyan living in Boston, and her fiancé Amos Wanjiru, are accused of conspiring with Wanjohi’s father, Francis Muya, 72. The three are alleged to have planned the killing of Muya’s estranged wife, Rose Njeri, and their four children in connection with a dispute over a high-value parcel of land in Molo, Nakuru County. 

A Naivasha court has directed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to clarify the extradition process and to release the prosecution file by 18 February 2026. According to court records, the prosecution alleges that the three suspects agreed to pay Sh3.1 million to hired killers. 

The plan was reportedly intended to force the targeted family members to transfer ownership of the disputed land before being killed. Investigators say the alleged meetings with the hired men began in March last year at a hotel in Nakuru.

The case came to light after the men allegedly hired to carry out the killings revealed the plan to the intended victims. By that time, prosecutors say, Sh1.7 million had already been paid. Evidence presented to the court includes mobile money transaction records, electronic messages, and witness testimony.

One of the alleged hired killers, Paul Waithaka, has been listed as a state witness. Another suspect, Charles Muraya, is also expected to testify for the prosecution. Lawyers for the victims have objected to this move, arguing that Muraya played a key role in the alleged conspiracy and should not be treated as a witness.

The proceedings have faced repeated delays, with disagreements between the prosecution and defence over the handling of the case. Prosecutor Joseck Abwayo told the court that the DPP recalled the file for further review after receiving complaints from both sides. However, the victims’ lawyer, Mbugua Macharia, accused the prosecution of causing unnecessary delays and urged the court to order the extradition of the two suspects based in the US.

Public demonstrations have taken place in Naivasha over the slow progress of the case. Its high profile previously led Naivasha Senior Resident Magistrate Wilson Rading to step aside, citing concerns over sensitivity. The matter has since been reassigned under Chief Magistrate Nathan Luttathen.

The defence has denied the allegations, describing them as false and driven by a long-running family dispute. Defence lawyer Edwin Njagi told the court that the conflict dates back more than 20 years, following Muya’s separation from his wife, and centres on disagreements over land ownership.