Prosecutors want Brian Kiprop Kiplagat to face eight counts in Britain, arguing that the Kenyan proceedings should assess extradition requirements rather than guilt.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has asked a Kenyan court to order Brian Kiprop Kiplagat’s extradition to UK authorities. He faces eight counts, including the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Marianne Kilonzi.
The allegations concern offences in Woolwich, within London’s Borough of Greenwich, between January 12 and January 28, 2025. The prosecution says Westminster Magistrates’ Court issued warrants against Kiplagat in connection with the charges.
Charges behind the extradition request
The eight counts comprise murder, manslaughter, two counts of perverting the course of justice and four fraud counts. The fraud allegations involve false representation.
Prosecutors allege that Kiplagat placed laundry beads on Kilonzi and removed her mobile phone from her residence. Those allegations form the basis of the two counts of perverting the course of justice.
Meanwhile, the fraud counts concern alleged unauthorised transfers from Kilonzi’s bank accounts into accounts held by Kiplagat. They also involve the alleged unlawful use of her credit card.
Court documents supporting the request state that the couple began their relationship in January 2024 after meeting on WhatsApp. By September that year, Kiplagat had reportedly moved into Kilonzi’s residence.
Legal arguments on extradition to UK
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu opposed defence attempts to introduce evidence challenging aspects of the request. He argued that the Kenyan proceedings should assess whether the request meets the legal requirements for extradition.
However, Ondimu said the proceedings should not determine whether Kiplagat committed the alleged offences. Instead, he maintained that courts in the jurisdiction where the offences allegedly occurred should hear and determine the allegations.
The prosecution also assured the court that it would safeguard Kiplagat’s constitutional rights throughout the process, including access to healthcare. It further pledged to return his property unrelated to the extradition proceedings.
The charges remain allegations, and the extradition proceedings do not determine Kiplagat’s guilt or innocence. The court will mention the matter on November 5, 2026, and deliver its ruling on November 19, 2026.
