Kenyan family angry as soldier murder trial delay pushes case into 15th year

The extradition hearing for Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru 14 years ago, has been delayed to May 2027. The postponement pushes the case into its 15th year without a trial. Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, died in March 2012 in Nanyuki, Kenya, after an evening at a hotel where British troops were stationed for training. Her body was recovered nearly three months later in a septic tank. She had stab wounds to her chest and abdomen.

Purkiss, now 38, was arrested in the UK in November 2025. He is currently fighting extradition to Kenya, where he would face a murder charge. He denies the allegation. His legal team has indicated he intends to contest the transfer. He appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court in February and was remanded in custody.

Wanjiru's relatives described the new timeline as completely unacceptable. They stated that authorities failed to keep them informed of the change. The family had already raised funds and arranged travel to attend the hearing, which was previously scheduled for three weeks from the announcement. They are now urging officials to accelerate the process.

Esther Njoki, Wanjiru's niece, said the family learned of the delay through the UK embassy. She noted that no official explanation was provided. Njoki said, "We have exercised patience and endured uncertainty for years, but our patience is now being taken advantage of." She added that Wanjiru deserves justice and her daughter Stacy deserves answers.

A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2019 that Wanjiru was unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. In September 2025, a Kenyan High Court issued an arrest warrant for a British national after prosecutors presented evidence supporting murder charges. The court is expected to provide reasons for the recent postponement next week.

Last year, then British Defence Secretary John Healey met with the family during a visit to Kenya. He pledged government support for their pursuit of justice. The UK government has previously stated it remains committed to helping the family but has declined to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.