British and Kenyan authorities have extradited Brian Kiprop Kiplagat to the UK to face questioning over the death of his partner, Marianne Kilonzi, who was found with fatal head injuries in her Woolwich flat on 17 January 2025. A post-mortem found blunt-force trauma to the head. Mr Kiplagat was detained near the Namanga border and taken into custody on 10 June; Kenyan prosecutors authorised extradition proceedings and he is due before Milimani magistrates' court. Friends paid tribute to Ms Kilonzi, highlighting her successful banking career and love of travel and golf.
Boyfriend Extradited To UK After 16-Month Manhunt Over Banking Executive’s Death
Brian Kiprop Kiplagat is also suspected of possessing false travel documents - Richard Munguti/Nation Media Group
British and Kenyan authorities have secured the extradition of Brian Kiprop Kiplagat to the United Kingdom to face questioning over the death of his partner, banking executive Marianne Kilonzi. Ms Kilonzi, 43, was found with fatal head injuries in her Woolwich flat on 17 January 2025.
Investigation and Arrest
Kenyan prosecutors confirmed that the UK made a formal extradition request and that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that extradition proceedings be initiated after a detailed review of the supporting evidence. Mr Kiplagat is due to appear before the chief magistrates' court at Milimani in eastern Kenya on Thursday.
Immigration officers detained Mr Kiplagat while he was attempting to cross the Kenyan border at Namanga to enter Tanzania. Authorities say he was taken into custody on 10 June after undercover officers had been monitoring his movements at the request of the Metropolitan Police. He is also suspected of travelling with false documents.
Marianne Kilonzi was found with fatal head injuries in her flat in east London
Victim And Evidence
A post-mortem examination concluded that Ms Kilonzi died from blunt-force trauma to the head. Residents at the Royal Arsenal Riverside development have reported hearing what they described as "blood-curdling screams" on the day she was killed. Scotland Yard launched an international search after detectives established the suspect had left the UK.
In an online tribute, close friend Patricia Ithau wrote: "I echo the often used words, gone too soon, as no words can be more appropriate. You smiled, you laughed, you embodied the spirit of a happy soul. You loved to see new places, enjoyed your wine and most of all, you loved your golf... Your leaving this world was brutally tragic. Senseless and painful."
Professional Background
According to an online CV, Ms Kilonzi studied at Kenyatta University in Nairobi and joined Citibank Kenya in 2006. She rose to become vice-president for Treasury and Trade Solutions and was transferred to the bank's operations in Britain in June 2023.
Scotland Yard has declined to comment on operational grounds. The Crown Prosecution Service and the Home Office were contacted for comment.
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