The former British soldier accused of killing Kenyan woman Agnes Wanjiru in 2012 has been identified as Robert James Purkiss.
Purkiss was enlisted in the British Army in 2006, serving as a medic with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Over the course of his decade-long career, he was stationed at several UK bases, including Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, Tidworth Barracks in Wiltshire, and Weeton Barracks in Blackpool.
Purkiss also undertook multiple tours in Afghanistan before being deployed to Kenya with the British Army Training Unit (BATUK) in 2012 for warm-weather exercises.
It was during this Kenya posting that the 21-year-old Wanjiru died; reports at the time indicated she had accompanied members of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki.
Weeks later, her body, with stab wounds, was discovered in a septic tank near the room used by the soldiers
The case sparked outrage in both Kenya and the UK, with allegations that British military officials attempted to cover up the killing.
Further claims later emerged that a soldier within the regiment confessed involvement but was silenced when he tried to come forward.
This comes barely a week after the United Kingdom government issued a response following the decision by the High Court to issue an arrest warrant for Purkiss.
In a brief statement on Tuesday, September 16, a UK government spokesperson conveyed condolences to the family of Wanjiru and affirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting the pursuit of justice.
The spokesperson declined to comment further, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
“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,” the statement read.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the High Court that evidence gathered links Purkiss to the murder.
The DPP then sought a warrant of arrest to pave the way for extradition proceedings.
Justice Alexander Muteti granted the request, ruling that murder is an extraditable offence and that there was probable cause to institute murder charges against the accused.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) successfully secured an arrest warrant against a British National in relation to the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki. This follows an application made before the High Court at Nanyuki, presided over by Justice Alexander Muteti, who ruled that there is probable cause to institute murder charges against the accused. Murder is an extraditable offence under Kenyan law.
“The Office, represented by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, OGW, and Head of the Homicide Division Gikui Gichuhi, confirmed that extradition proceedings will now be initiated to ensure the suspect is brought before a Kenyan court. The matter will be mentioned again on 21st October 2025 for further directions,” the ODPP said.
