NAIROBI, June 26 — Kenya’s efforts to extradite a man wanted over the killing of a Kenyan banking executive in London gathered momentum on Friday after the Milimani Law Courts endorsed arrest warrants issued by British authorities, clearing the way for formal extradition proceedings.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it secured key court orders against Kenyan national Brian Kiprop Kiplagat, who is wanted in the United Kingdom to face charges of murder, manslaughter, perverting the course of justice and fraud by false representation.

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, prosecutors informed the court that the United Kingdom had formally requested Kiplagat’s surrender to stand trial over the death of Maryanne Nduta Kilonzi, a Kenyan banking executive who was found dead in her London apartment in January 2025.

Chief Magistrate Bosibori Nyangema allowed the DPP’s application to endorse two warrants of arrest issued by the Westminster Court, a key legal step that formally activates the extradition process under Kenyan law and international mutual legal assistance frameworks.

The prosecution also successfully opposed Kiplagat’s release on bail, with the court ordering that he remain in custody pending a further hearing on Monday, June 29, when additional directions on the extradition proceedings will be issued.

The prosecution team was led by Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, assisted by prosecutors Victor Owiti, Magdalyne Nduati and Brenda Nandwa.

The latest development follows the ODPP’s approval earlier this week to commence extradition proceedings after reviewing a formal request and supporting evidence submitted by British authorities.

Investigators allege that Kiplagat is the prime suspect in the killing of Kilonzi, who served as a vice president at Citibank in London.

She was discovered dead in her apartment in Woolwich, southeast London, with British investigators alleging that the suspect fled the United Kingdom shortly after the incident and returned to Kenya.

Kiplagat was arrested on June 10 at the Namanga border while allegedly attempting to cross into Tanzania using what investigators described as a temporary travel permit and fraudulent travel documents.

Prosecutors have consistently argued that he poses a significant flight risk, citing the alleged attempt to leave the country and the absence of a fixed place of residence in Kenya.

Should the Kenyan courts ultimately approve the extradition request, Kiplagat will be surrendered to British authorities to answer the charges before a UK court.