Kenyan government begins process to extradite British soldier accused of murder

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." Read more:Niece of Kenyan woman 'murdered by British soldier' comes to UKArrest warrant issued for former British soldier over murder of Kenyan woman 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.

'Kenya can't control the process in the UK' The judge reminded everyone involved that "Kenya can't control the process in the UK.