Former Soldier Denies Murder in High-Profile Extradition Case
A former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, is fighting extradition to Kenya, where he is wanted for the alleged murder of a 21-year-old woman, Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was discovered in a septic tank over a decade ago. The 38-year-old, who appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, vehemently denies the charge against him.
Chilling Details Emerge in Court
The court heard disturbing allegations about the night Ms Wanjiru disappeared in March 2012. She was last seen leaving the Lions Court Hotel in Nanyuki with a soldier after a night of drinking. Home Office barrister Joel Smith KC stated that soldiers stationed at the nearby British Army garrison would often 'drink heavily and pay local women for sex' during their time off.
Agnes Wanjiru, a young mother, had told a friend in her local language that she was going to 'hustle for her daughter' before she vanished. Her body was found two months later in a hotel septic tank, significantly decomposed. A post-mortem examination revealed a 2cm stab wound to her lower abdomen and a collapsed lung, with evidence suggesting she might have been alive when placed in the tank.
Alleged Confessions and Digital Evidence
The prosecution presented evidence of alleged confessions made by Purkiss to fellow soldiers. One colleague reported seeing Purkiss crying outside the hotel on the night in question, stating, 'I've killed her.' In another alleged confession, Purkiss reportedly told a colleague the murder was 'sex that went wrong'.
Further damaging evidence came from a 2018 Facebook exchange between former members of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. When a soldier posted a picture outside the Lions Court Hotel with the comment 'if you know you know' and a reference to the septic tank, Purkiss allegedly responded with a 'smiling face emoji'.
Diplomatic Fallout and Family's Long Wait for Justice
The case has caused significant diplomatic tensions between the UK and Kenya. An inquest in Kenya in 2018 concluded that Ms Wanjiru was murdered by British soldiers. The British Army Training Unit in Kenya, a permanent garrison near Nanyuki, has long faced criticism over allegations of misconduct by its personnel.
Judge Briony Clarke rejected Purkiss's bail application and remanded him into custody. He is scheduled to appear before the court again on November 14 for a further bail hearing. The new Labour government has vowed to support the Kenyan investigation, a shift from the previous Conservative administration's approach, as the victim's family continues their decade-long fight for justice.
