NAIROBI,Kenya, Jun 24 — Kenya has initiated extradition proceedings against a man wanted by British investigators over the murder of a Kenyan banking executive in London, marking a major step in an international case that has spanned more than a year.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) announced Wednesday that it has approved extradition proceedings against Brian Kiprop Kiplagat, who is sought by authorities in the United Kingdom in connection with the January 2025 killing of Maryanne Nduta Kilonzi, a senior Kenyan banker based in London.

According to the ODPP, the United Kingdom formally requested Kiplagat’s extradition, prompting a comprehensive review of the request and supporting evidence before the Director of Public Prosecutions authorized the commencement of court proceedings in Kenya.

Kiplagat is expected to appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani on Thursday where the extradition process will formally begin.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has received a formal request from the United Kingdom seeking the extradition of Brian Kiprop Kiplagat,” the ODPP said in a statement, adding that the decision was reached after reviewing the evidentiary material submitted by British authorities.

The move follows Kiplagat’s arrest on June 10 at the Namanga border post as he allegedly attempted to cross into Tanzania. Authorities said he was intercepted by immigration officials while using a temporary travel permit and fraudulent travel documents.

British investigators have identified Kiplagat as the prime suspect in the death of Kilonzi, who was serving as a vice president at Citibank in London. She was found dead in her apartment in Woolwich, southeast London, in January 2025. Investigators believe she was fatally assaulted before the suspect allegedly fled the United Kingdom and returned to Kenya.

The arrest came after an international manhunt involving Kenyan and British law enforcement agencies.

In previous court proceedings, prosecutors opposed Kiplagat’s release, arguing that he posed a significant flight risk.

State counsel told the court that he had no fixed place of residence in Kenya and had allegedly attempted to leave the country when he was arrested at the border.

The Milimani Law Courts subsequently ordered that he remain in custody pending the completion of extradition documentation from the United Kingdom.

The ODPP, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, has been overseeing the extradition process on behalf of the Kenyan government.

Prosecuting counsel Joyce Olajo successfully sought orders to keep the suspect in remand as authorities processed the request from Britain.

Should the Kenyan courts approve the extradition request, Kiplagat will be surrendered to British authorities to face murder charges in the United Kingdom.

The ODPP said it remains committed to fulfilling Kenya’s international legal obligations while ensuring that all proceedings adhere to constitutional safeguards, due process, and the rule of law.