A former British soldier faces extradition to Kenya after authorities in the African country issued a warrant for his arrest. Robert James Purkiss, 38, is wanted in connection with the murder of Agnes Wanjiru who was found dead in a septic tank.
The dad-of-two – originally from Greater Manchester – served in the British Army for 10 years from 2006 as a combat medic and infantryman. He was posted to Kenya at the time of the incident, which caused massive outrage in the country. The 21-year-old mum was last seen alive partying with British soldiers at the Lion’s Court hotel in Nanyuki in March 2012.
The hotel was popular with British soldiers based at an army training camp in the town.
Her mutilated, naked body was found a few days later concealed in a septic tank close to the army base. She had multiple stab wounds around her waist and had suffered a broken arm and leg.
A Kenyan court later ruled that Ms Wanjiru had been murdered by one or more British soldiers at an inquest into her death.
In an unprecedented move, the court has now charged Purkiss – who was previously serving in the Duke of Lancaster regiment – with the murder. Judge Alexander Muteti said sufficient evidence has been found to allow charges to be pressed and for the former British trooper to face trial.
If the case proceeds, Purkiss will become the first ever British serviceman to be extradited to a foreign country for the murder of a civilian.
Esther Njoki, the spokesperson for Agnes Wanjiru’s family said: “We are happy that finally, after a long wait and frustration, the government has begun to act, although it has taken a long time. We have a ray of hope that now the family will be served justice.”
The former British soldier currently lives near Salisbury and works as a home computer support technician, according to The Daily Mail.
In October 2021, The Sunday Times reported that a soldier had confessed to his comrades to killing Wanjiru and showed them her body. The article alleged that the murder was reported to military superiors, but no further action was taken.
Agnes’ family have led a 13-year campaign for justice and met with the UK Defence Secretary John Healey in April.
Mr Healey said at the time: “We will continue to offer our full support to the Kenyan authorities. Our Government will continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve.”
