Former British Soldier Arrested in London Over 2012 Murder of Kenyan Woman
Wanjiru, a single mother of a four-month-old baby at the time, was last seen with a group of British soldiers at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki in 2012. Her body was later discovered in a septic tank
A former British soldier wanted by Kenyan authorities has appeared in a London court following his arrest in connection with the alleged murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru near a UK army training camp in Kenya more than a decade ago
Kenya issued an arrest warrant in September 2025 and requested the extradition of the British citizen, whose alleged involvement in Wanjiru’s death has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries
Wanjiru, a single mother of a four-month-old baby at the time, was last seen with a group of British soldiers at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki in 2012. Her body was later discovered in a septic tank
A 2019 Kenyan inquest concluded she had been beaten, stabbed, and likely still alive when disposed of
Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that 38-year-old Robert James Purkiss was arrested by specialist officers and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to begin extradition proceedings. He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on November 14
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The delay in achieving justice has sparked outrage in Kenya, with human rights groups alleging that a defense cooperation agreement has shielded British soldiers from prosecution
The UK Ministry of Defence has pledged to assist Wanjiru’s family in seeking justice, while the British government has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
