A former British soldier has been denied bail in London over the death of a young Kenyan woman, Agnes Wanjiru, who was killed in 2012. Robert James Purkiss, 38, from Wiltshire, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court following his arrest on November 6. Kenya is seeking his extradition in connection with Wanjiru’s murder, which occurred near a British Army training camp in Nanyuki.
Purkiss is accused of confessing to the crime to a fellow soldier, allegedly stating that he had killed Wanjiru during a night out at a hotel close to the base. Her body was discovered three months later in a septic tank at the same hotel. At the time of her death, Wanjiru had a five-month-old baby. Prosecutors presented this evidence in court, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against Purkiss.
Purkiss’s lawyers maintain that he strongly denies the allegations and plans to contest the extradition. He was detained by specialist officers from the UK’s National Crime Agency after a warrant was issued in September. The case against Purkiss has been ongoing for years, with pressure from Wanjiru’s family and Kenyan human rights groups pushing authorities to reopen the investigation.
An inquest into Wanjiru’s death was conducted in 2018 and concluded in 2019, finding that she had been unlawfully killed. The inquest revealed that Wanjiru had sustained stab wounds to her chest and abdomen, and pointed to one or two British soldiers as responsible. Wanjiru was last seen at a bar where British troops were drinking, and her disappearance and subsequent death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The extradition proceedings against Purkiss mark a significant development in the case, which has been the subject of intense scrutiny and public pressure. As the legal process unfolds, the family of Agnes Wanjiru and human rights groups will be closely watching the outcome, seeking justice and accountability for her tragic death. The case highlights the need for cooperation between governments and law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for serious crimes are held accountable, regardless of their nationality or location.