Kenyan Man Accused of London Banker’s Murder Faces Extradition Hearing

Extradition proceedings against a Kenyan man accused of murdering his girlfriend in London are set to begin today at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Milimani.

Brian Kiprop Kiplagat is due to appear before the court after Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) authorised action on a formal extradition request from the United Kingdom. British authorities want him returned to face trial over the death of Maryanne Nduta Kilonzo, a banker who was allegedly killed in London in January 2025.

The ODPP said it had reviewed the UK’s request and approved the commencement of court proceedings. Under Kenya’s extradition process, requests are submitted through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Attorney General before being considered by prosecutors.

The investigation into Kiplagat’s movements has involved cooperation between the Metropolitan Police Service in London and Kenyan law enforcement agencies for more than a year. Detectives allege that he left the UK shortly after the killing, prompting an international search.

Kiplagat was arrested on 10 June at the Namanga border while allegedly attempting to enter Tanzania using a temporary permit issued on the same day.

Prosecutors have opposed his release on bond, arguing that he poses a flight risk.

State counsel Joyce Olajo told the court that he was arrested while trying to cross the border and should remain in custody at the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.

Authorities also allege that Kiplagat has no fixed residence and was found with several travel documents suspected to be fraudulent. 

Investigators further claim that he was in possession of a mobile phone believed to have been used after the victim’s death. The device is undergoing forensic examination.

Extradition cases can be lengthy and subject to legal challenges, but the start of proceedings marks the next stage in the process.