The Kenyan government has started the process to extradite former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, to stand trial for the 2012 alleged murder of Agnes Wanjiru.
Her body was found in a hotel septic tank in Nanyuki, Kenya.
During a High Court session on Tuesday, it was announced that formal steps are being guided by the Mutual Legal Assistance Act agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
A letter dated 9 October 2025 from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) asked the Attorney General to send the extradition request to the UK Central Authority via Kenya’s Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
To speed things up, the judge Justice Alexander Muteti instructed the prosecutor’s office to give the court monthly updates on the status of the arrest and extradition of Purkiss, who is understood to live in the Salisbury area of Wiltshire.
The arrest warrant for the former soldier was issued in September, when his name emerged as the suspect in the case. The next court mention is set for 24 November.
‘We urge the UK to expediate the extradition’
The family of Ms Wanjiru, through their spokesperson, Esther Njoki, also her niece, said they were happy with the progress of the judicial process: “We urge the United Kingdom to expedite the extradition on their end so that there are no more delays in this case.”
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Justice Muteti also advised the family’s lawyer, Mbiyu Kamau, to prepare them for the fact that the extradition process can be long and complicated, as it involves diplomatic negotiations between countries and compliance with both nations’ laws.
He emphasised that this is important to ensure that Purkiss receives a fair trial, whether he is arrested by his own government or chooses to surrender voluntarily.
Esther Njoki, Agnes’ niece, recently visited the UK to pursue the extradition
‘Kenya can’t control the process in the UK’
The judge reminded everyone involved that “Kenya can’t control the process in the UK”, and the success of the extradition request relies on the UK’s willingness to cooperate.
Additionally, Justice Muteti ordered that the family should have access to witness statements and other documents related to Ms Wanjiru’s murder case. However, he cautioned that this information must not be shared without proper authorisation to prevent any public or media speculation about the trial.
The alleged murder case of the British citizen would be a landmark trial in Kenya, potentially bringing closure to the Wanjiru family’s 14-year long quest for justice.
In September when the suspect’s name was first reported, a UK government spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice.
“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.
“This is subject to ongoing legal proceedings and we will not comment further at this stage.”
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