Lydia Munene who survived the attack in 2009
A formal extradition request has been made to Kenyan authorities for a man wanted for the attempted murder of his estranged wife and the murder of her male friend in Christchurch.
Samuel Njuguna is alleged to have murdered Steven Maina and attempted to murder Lydia Munene in her Avonside home on September 12, 2009.
All three were Kenyan nationals. Njuguna flew to Kenya the day after the attack, before it was discovered by a concerned friend on September 14. It is believed he is still in Kenya.
Detective Inspector Greg Williams, head of the investigation, said he made contact with Njuguna’s brother in Kenya during the first few days of the investigation.
“His family there felt that he should return to New Zealand and be held accountable.
The family purchased a plane ticket for Mr Njuguna and he was due to return but, at the last minute decided not to.”
Williams said authorities have been working on extradition proceedings since a warrant for Njuguna’s arrest was issued in October last year.
Williams said Njuguna is being sought by Kenyan authorities and, once located, would be extradited to New Zealand in accordance with Kenyan law. “As is the case here, extraditions in Kenya involve a judicial process, which can be time-consuming.
There is no need for an extradition treaty between Kenya and New Zealand in order for Mr Njuguna to be extradited.”
Williams said Police were hopeful that once Njuguna was located he would be sent back to New Zealand without delay.
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