Kenyan family demands answers after murder trial delayed until May

The extradition hearing for a former British soldier accused of killing a Kenyan woman 14 years ago has been postponed until May 2027. The delay, which pushes the legal process into its 15th year, has caused frustration for the victim's family, who are now calling on authorities to speed up the case.

Robert James Purkiss, a 38-year-old former soldier, is accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru in 2012. Wanjiru, who was 21 at the time, disappeared after staying at a hotel in Nanyuki, a town roughly 200 kilometers north of Nairobi where British troops were training. Her body was discovered in a septic tank at the hotel nearly three months later. She had sustained stab wounds to her chest and abdomen and left behind a daughter who was five months old.

The family learned of the postponement through the UK embassy and stated they received no official explanation. Esther Njoki, Wanjiru's niece, said the relatives had already arranged travel and funded the trip for the hearing that was originally scheduled for next month.

Njoki described the delay as completely unacceptable. She noted that the family has endured uncertainty for years and feels their patience is being exploited. She emphasized that Wanjiru deserves justice and her daughter Stacy deserves answers, while the family deserves to be kept informed about proceedings that affect their lives.

Purkiss was arrested in the UK in November of last year and is currently fighting extradition to face a murder trial. He denies the allegation. His lawyers have said he intends to contest the transfer to Kenya. He appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court in February, where he was remanded in custody again.

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. A UK court is expected to provide the specific reasons for the recent delay next week.

John Healey, the then British Defence Secretary, met with Wanjiru's family during a visit to Kenya last year. He pledged government support for their pursuit of justice. The UK government has maintained its commitment to helping the family but has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.