The family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman allegedly murdered by a British soldier 14 years ago, has expressed outrage over the postponement of an extradition hearing for the accused, Robert James Purkiss. The hearing, initially scheduled for next month, has been delayed until May 2027. Relatives of Wanjiru described the delay as "completely unacceptable" and accused authorities of failing to keep them informed about the proceedings.
Wanjiru's body was found in a septic tank near a British army training camp in Kenya in 2012. She had suffered stab wounds to her chest and abdomen and left behind a five-month-old daughter. A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2019 that she had been unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. The family said it had already raised money and made arrangements to travel to the UK for the hearing, which was due to take place in three weeks.
The family learnt of the postponement through the UK embassy and had received no official explanation. Wanjiru's niece, Esther Njoki, said the family had exercised patience and endured uncertainty for years, but their patience was now being taken advantage of. The family is calling on the authorities to expedite the proceedings, warning that the latest postponement means the case will enter its 15th year without a trial.
Purkiss, a former British soldier, was arrested in the UK last November and is fighting extradition to Kenya to face trial for murder. He denies the allegation. His lawyers said he intended to contest extradition to Kenya. The 38-year-old former soldier appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in February via video link, where he was further remanded in custody.
A UK court is expected to give the reasons for the hearing delay next week. The family said it deserves to be treated with dignity and kept informed about proceedings that profoundly affect their lives. Wanjiru's daughter, Stacy, deserves answers about what happened to her mother. The family is seeking justice for Wanjiru and her daughter.
The UK government has previously said it remains committed to helping the family, but would not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. Last year, the then British Defence Secretary John Healey met Wanjiru's family during a visit to Kenya and pledged his government's support for efforts to secure justice.
The case has strained Kenya-UK relations, with the Kenyan High Court issuing an arrest warrant for a British national in September 2025 after prosecutors presented evidence they said justified bringing murder charges. The family hopes that the authorities will expedite the proceedings and bring Purkiss to justice.
Key points
- The extradition hearing for Robert James Purkiss has been postponed until May 2027.
- The family of Agnes Wanjiru is seeking justice and criticizes the delay in the extradition hearing.
- The case has strained Kenya-UK relations and highlighted the need for accountability in cases involving foreign nationals.
