High Court Issues Arrest Warrant for British Soldier in Agnes Wanjiru Murder Case

Nanyuki, Kenya — 2025-09-16 13:00 EAT. High Court judge Alexander Muteti has issued a warrant of arrest for a British soldier accused of murdering 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru Wanjiku in 2012 after the suspect failed to appear in court for formal proceedings.

The Latest

• Warrant issued: The soldier, part of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), faces murder charges but has not been publicly named.

• Next hearing: Case set for October 21, 2025 to confirm compliance with the arrest order.

• Key step: Seen as critical for initiating extradition proceedings from the UK to Kenya.

Case Background

• 2012 disappearance: Wanjiru vanished after leaving a hotel near the BATUK base with British soldiers.

• Body discovered: Found in a septic tank with multiple stab wounds after a two-month search.

• 2019 inquest: Determined she was murdered by one or more soldiers.

• 2021 allegations: Fellow soldiers named a suspect who allegedly confessed and showed them where the body was hidden.

International Response

• UK Defence Secretary John Healey: Met Wanjiru’s family in April, pledging to support extradition efforts and promising justice and accountability.

• British Army: Announced an inquiry into BATUK conduct after a documentary exposed wider abuses involving Kenyan women and children.

Implications

• Diplomatic ties: Case could test UK–Kenya relations over military presence and accountability.

• Justice for victims: Marks progress after 13 years of delays since Wanjiru’s death.

• Military oversight: Raises questions about BATUK’s code of conduct and safeguards for local communities.

What to Watch

• Whether the UK discloses the suspect’s identity and cooperates on extradition.

• Court compliance on October 21 and potential trial timelines.

• Outcomes of the British Army inquiry into misconduct in Kenya.