Agnes Wanjiru, who was found dead in 2012 after she went missing.
More than 13 years after Agnes Wanjiru was killed in Nanyuki during a night out, allegedly by a British soldier, the Kenyan government has begun extradition proceedings for the UK national linked to the death.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Tuesday informed the High Court in Nairobi that the extradition request had been transmitted to the Office of the Attorney-General (AG), the central authority responsible for forwarding such requests to the United Kingdom.
State prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi said that documentation for the extradition of Mr Robert James Purkiss was forwarded to the AG and officially received on October 9, 2025.
Relatives of Agnes Wanjiru, who was murdered in Nanyuki in 2021, display her photograph in Nanyuki town on October 25, 2021.
If there is a successful extradition, it would be the first time a serving or former British soldier is sent to Kenya to face trial for the murder of a civilian.
“We have initiated the extradition proceedings for the arrest and surrender of the suspect. We can mention the case in January, to check on the status,” said Ms Gichuhi, who is also the assistant DPP. “Extradition process is a long process, involving multiple parties in different jurisdictions.”
Justice Alexander Muteti mandated monthly updates on the extradition process, stating that the victim’s family was anxiously waiting for justice to be done. The first mention is set for November 24, 2025.
“It would be important for the DPP to update the court,” said the judge.
Acknowledging that extradition is a complex process involving diplomatic engagement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, Justice Muteti directed the DPP to fast-track the proceedings.
He further ordered the prosecution to share information, including documentary evidence, with Wanjiru’s family but cautioned them against disclosing it publicly.
Wanjiru’s family lawyer Mbiyu Kamau welcomed the new development, confirming that they had also received a letter indicating that the extradition proceedings have begun.
“The authorities charged with prosecution of the suspect have dragged their feet for a long time in commencing prosecution of the suspect, despite the suspect’s having been named in an inquest,” he said.
Mr John Kamungu and his wife Rose Wanyua, a sister to Agnes Wanjiru who met her death while in the company of British soldiers in Nanyuki in 2012, display her photos at their home in Majengo Estate in Nanyuki.
Mr Kamau added that Kenya has a robust judicial system and the suspect should surrender himself to Kenyan authorities to face trial.
“The suspect will be tried in accordance with the law and protection of the law. He should not fear. Our law protects every person without consideration of race, colour, or otherwise. There is no fear that he may be subjected to unfair trial. We have a lot of faith in the Judiciary,” stated the lawyer.
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother and freelance hairdresser in Nanyuki, disappeared on the night of March 31, 2012, after a night out with British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) soldiers at an entertainment joint known as Lions Court Lodge.
Her body was discovered two months later in a septic tank near the same facility, an incident that triggered national outrage and renewed calls for justice for victims of violence against women.
BATUK is a permanent training support base mainly based in Nanyuki, and established by the Defence Corporation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
Agnes Wanjiru, who was found dead in 2012 after she went missing.
Investigations into the alleged killing took five years before their findings were sent to the DPP, who recommended a court inquest into the death.
The inquest, led by magistrate Njeri Thuku, concluded in 2019 that Wanjiru had been murdered by one or two British soldiers, leading to the issuance of a warrant of the soldier’s arrest last month.
A UK newspaper, The Sunday Times, in 2021 reported that Wanjiru was killed by a BATUK soldier attached to the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment, well-known amongst the troops in Nanyuki.
One soldier even provided a statement claiming that the suspect had confessed about the murder on the fateful night, and took him to see the body in the septic tank.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey (third right), British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan (right) with Agnes Wanjiru's relatives.
In April 2025 UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey met Wanjiru’s family and told them about his “determination to see a resolution” in the case of her murder, pledging the UK’s full support for the investigation.
“It was deeply humbling to meet the family of Agnes Wanjiru today. In the 13 years since her death, they have shown such strength in their long fight for justice. I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to the still unresolved case,” he said at the time.
This was the first time a UK Government Minister met with Wanjiru’s family.
The Nation will continue following up on the case proceedings.
