Ex-British Soldier Faces Extradition Over 2012 Murder of Kenyan Woman

Sat Nov 08 2025 20:46:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Robert James Purkiss, a former soldier, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman, whose case has garnered international attention.

Robert James Purkiss, a 38-year-old ex-British soldier, was arrested for his alleged role in the murder of Agnes Wanjiru in 2012. Wanjiru's body was discovered three months after her disappearance near a British army camp in Kenya. Purkiss intends to contest his extradition to Kenya, where he faces allegations of murder. The case has highlighted concerns over the British army’s conduct in Kenya and the investigation into Wanjiru's death, which many believe was inadequately pursued.

A former British soldier is facing extradition to Kenya in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old woman there in 2012.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said Robert James Purkiss was arrested in Tidworth, Wiltshire on 6 November and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court the following Friday.

He was arrested by specialist officers from the NCA's National Extradition Unit in connection with the killing of Agnes Wanjiru after a warrant was issued in September, the agency added.

Mr. Purkiss, 38, stated in court that he intended to contest the extradition and was remanded into custody ahead of his next appearance at the same court on 14 November. His lawyers informed the court that he vehemently denies the murder charge.

Agnes Wanjiru's body was discovered in a septic tank near a hotel in Nanyuki, approximately 124 miles (200km) north of Nairobi, three months after she went missing on 31 March 2012. At the time, she had a five-month-old baby.

Her remains were found close to a British army training camp. Reports indicate that on the night she was killed, she had been at a bar with friends, where British soldiers were reportedly also present.

Ms. Wanjiru's niece, Esther Njoki, met with the UK's defense minister last month to advocate for Mr. Purkiss's extradition. Upon hearing the news of Purkiss's arrest, Ms. Njoki expressed relief, stating: My family is incredibly relieved to hear that the suspect in my aunt's case has been arrested. We have waited so many years for this moment which marks an important step towards finally obtaining justice for our beloved Agnes.

Tessa Gregory, a partner at Leigh Day who represents Ms. Wanjiru's family, called it a significant step for their quest for justice. We hope the UK and Kenyan authorities will now work together to ensure that the suspect can face trial in Kenya as quickly as possible, she said.

For years, Ms. Wanjiru's family has accused the British army of covering up her death and the Kenyan authorities of failing to conduct a thorough investigation. An inquest was opened into her death in 2018, which concluded in 2019 that she had been unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers and had suffered stab wounds.

Reports have surfaced, including a 2021 Sunday Times investigation, that a British soldier confessed to killing Ms. Wanjiru but left the army and continued living in the UK. Additionally, an internal army review launched in 2024 unearthed numerous cases of British soldiers engaging in sexual exploitation of local women in Kenya.