Kenyan Man Faces Extradition Over Girlfriend’s Murder, Fraud Charges in UK

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has urged a Kenyan court to order the extradition of Brian Kiprop Kiplagat to the United Kingdom (UK), where he is wanted to face charges including the alleged murder of fellow Kenyan Marianne Kilonzi.

In a statement on Thursday, October 29, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the prosecution told the court that British authorities were seeking Kiplagat over alleged offences committed in Woolwich, within the Borough of Greenwich, between January 12 and 28, 2025.

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Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP) Duncan Ondimu, who is leading the prosecution, opposed attempts by the defence to introduce evidence challenging aspects of the extradition request. 

According to the ODPP, he argued that the proceedings were not intended to determine the merits of the allegations against Kiplagat.

"The prosecution maintained that the extradition court’s role was to determine whether the legal requirements for surrender had been met, allowing the allegations to be heard and determined by the courts in the jurisdiction where the offences allegedly occurred," the statement read.

The Westminster Magistrates’ Court issued warrants against Kiplagat in connection with eight counts, including murder, manslaughter, two counts of perverting the course of justice and four counts of fraud by false representation.

The prosecution outlined the allegations relating to the offences of perverting the course of justice, which concern actions allegedly taken following Kilonzi’s death.

"The allegations of perverting the course of justice relate to claims that Kiplagat placed laundry beads on Kilonzi and removed her mobile phone from her residence," the statement added.

The fraud charges relate to alleged financial transactions involving Kilonzi’s bank accounts and credit card. 

According to the prosecution, the transactions involved money allegedly transferred without authorisation into accounts held by Kiplagat.

"The fraud charges concern alleged unauthorised transfers of money from Kilonzi’s bank accounts into accounts held by Kiplagat, as well as the alleged unlawful use of her credit card," the statement further read.

According to documents presented in the extradition proceedings, Kiplagat and Kilonzi began their relationship in January 2024 after meeting on WhatsApp. 

By September 2024, Kiplagat had reportedly moved into Kilonzi’s residence.

The prosecution also addressed concerns surrounding Kiplagat’s treatment and the protection of his rights should the extradition process proceed.

"The prosecution further assured the court that Kiplagat’s constitutional rights were being safeguarded, including his access to healthcare. It added that property unrelated to the extradition proceedings would be returned to him," the statement noted.

The DPP maintained that extradition would allow the allegations to be addressed through the appropriate judicial process in the UK while ensuring that Kiplagat’s rights and the requirements of the law were respected.

The case will be mentioned on November 5, 2026, while the court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on November 19, 2026.

This comes days after the DPP facilitated the extradition of Sancho Kibutu, a Kenyan national wanted in the United States. 

In a statement on Friday, October 23, the ODPP said Kibutu is set to face sentencing in the US following his conviction for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

The Kenyan national was formally handed over to US authorities in Nairobi by officers attached to the ODPP and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

Kibutu’s extradition followed a request by the US Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi.

"Mr. Kibutu was formally handed over to US authorities in Nairobi by officers attached to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and flown to California following an extradition request made by the US Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi," read the statement. 

According to the ODPP, the extradition process, which was handled through Kenyan courts, lasted four weeks. 

Before the extradition, Kibutu had been on the run for 13 years after failing to appear for sentencing following his conviction in the United States on September 19, 2013.

A bench warrant was subsequently issued on October 28, 2013. 

Kibutu was arrested in Nairobi on September 9, 2026, pursuant to the extradition proceedings between Kenya and the United States.