A Kenyan high court has ordered the arrest of a British national accused of murdering a 21-year-old Kenyan woman near a British army training camp in Nanyuki 13 years ago.
The body of Agnes Wanjiru was discovered in a septic tank in April 2012, weeks after witnesses claimed she was last seen leaving a bar with British soldiers.
Court officials in Nairobi confirmed on Tuesday that the suspect, who is currently in the United Kingdom, faces charges of murder. However, in an unusual move, the court barred the publication of the suspect’s name without giving a reason.
Prosecutors said an extradition request will now be initiated.
Wanjiru’s family welcomed the ruling but expressed frustration at the long delay in the case. “While this is progress, it is not justice yet,” said family spokesperson Esther Muchiri. “After 13 years, why are they still hiding his identity?”
In April, U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey met with Wanjiru’s relatives and pledged Britain’s support in securing justice. On Tuesday, the British High Commission in Nairobi reiterated its commitment but declined to comment on the extradition request.
Wanjiru left behind a daughter, who was just five months old when her mother disappeared and is now 13, living under the care of her grandmother and aunt.
The case has long fueled anger among Kenyans over the conduct of British forces stationed in the country. The U.K. maintains around 200 soldiers in Kenya, training more than 1,000 Kenyan troops annually for deployment to Somalia against the al-Qaida–linked al-Shabab militant group. Britain also invests an estimated 1.1 billion shillings ($9.6 million) annually in the military partnership.