DPP begins extradition process for British soldier in Agnes Wanjiru murder trial

BY ERIC ABUGA

Agnes Wanjiru, 21, a young mother and freelance hairdresser, disappeared on the 31st of March 2012, after being last seen at Lions Court Lodge in Nanyuki.

Her decomposing body was discovered two months later in a septic tank at the same lodge, an incident that triggered national outrage and renewed calls for justice for victims of violence against women.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has since told court that the extradition process against a British national accused of murdering Wanjiru in Nanyuki over a decade ago has formally commenced.

Appearing before Justice Alexander Muteti at the Milimani High Court, the DPP disclosed that documentation for the extradition of Robert James Purkiss had been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General and officially received on October 9, 2025.

Justice Muteti acknowledged that extradition is a complex process involving diplomatic engagement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, and directed the DPP to fast-track the proceedings. 

He further ordered Prosecution to share the evidence they intend to rely on with Wanjiru’s family, cautioning them against disclosing it publicly.

The DPP informed the court that evidence gathered by investigators links Purkiss to the killing. The office successfully sought a warrant of arrest, paving the way for extradition proceedings.

Justice Muteti granted the application. "Murder is an extraditable offence, there is sufficient cause to proceed with charges against the suspect."

The matter will be mentioned on November 24, 2025, for further directions.