Kenya begins extradition of British soldier in Agnes Wanjiru murder case

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Kenya has officially begun the extradition process for British soldier Robert James Purkiss, accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman whose body was found in a septic tank in Nanyuki in 2012.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the Milimani High Court on Tuesday that extradition documents were submitted to the Office of the Attorney General and formally received on October 9, 2025.

Justice Alexander Muteti described the case as one requiring close diplomatic engagement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, directed the DPP to expedite the process, and ordered that the evidence be shared with Wanjiru’s family but not made public.

Wanjiru, a young mother and freelance hairdresser, was last seen on March 31, 2012, at the Lion’s Court Lodge in Nanyuki. Two months later, her body was found in a septic tank on the lodge grounds — an incident that sparked national outrage and renewed demands for justice for victims of gender-based violence.

The DPP said investigators had collected evidence linking Purkiss to the killing and that a warrant of arrest had been obtained, paving the way for extradition proceedings.

Justice Muteti ruled that murder is an extraditable offence and found sufficient grounds to proceed.

The Prosecution team comprised Vincent Monda, OGW, Ag. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions; Gikui Gichui, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions; and Magdalene Nduati, Prosecution Counsel.

The matter is due for mention again on November 24, 2025, for further directions.

The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, met the Wanjiru family in Nairobi in April 2025, expressed condolences and pledged the UK’s “full support” for the Kenyan investigation.

“It was deeply humbling to meet the family of Agnes Wanjiru today. Our Government will continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve,” Healey said.

A UK government spokesperson added, “We understand that the Kenyan director of public prosecutions has determined that a British national should face trial in relation to the murder of Ms Wanjiru in 2012. We remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice.”

While no formal extradition request has been publicly confirmed by UK authorities, the cooperation and diplomatic engagement indicate a willingness to support the Kenyan process.