The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) now
wants the extradition of the British national linked to the murder of Agnes
Wanjiru expedited.
This follows the High Court’s decision to issue a warrant of
arrest against a British national linked to the 2012 murder in Nanyuki.
According to FIDA-Kenya, extraditing and prosecuting the
suspect will send a strong message that violence against women will not be
tolerated and impunity will no longer prevail.
It added that the move reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to the
rule of law and the dignity of women while strengthening international
cooperation in upholding justice.
The federation commended the Director of Public Prosecutions
for securing arrest orders against the Briton.
“FIDA-Kenya, therefore, commends the Office of the Director
of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for securing the warrant, and urges the
Government of Kenya and the United Kingdom authorities to move with speed in
finalising the extradition process to ensure the suspect faces murder charges
before a Kenyan court,” FIDA said.
FIDA-Kenya said the ruling is a significant milestone in the
quest for justice for Wanjiru, her daughter, and her family, who have endured
thirteen years of pain.
The organisation has long demanded justice in the case,
including making submissions during the parliamentary inquiry into the conduct
of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya.
Wanjiru, who was 21 years old, went missing on March 31,
2012, after being seen with British soldiers in Nyanyuki.
Her body was found on June 5, 2012, in a septic tank. An
autopsy revealed that she had been stabbed, beaten, and most likely thrown into
the tank while still alive.
It has called for accountability for crimes committed
against Kenyan women and for stronger protection against violence linked to
military presence.
FIDA-Kenya pledged to stand in solidarity with Wanjiru’s family and to continue advocating for accountability, truth and justice for women and girls subjected to violence.
