Former British soldier Robert Purkiss is fighting extradition to Kenya where he stands accused of murdering a 21-year-old mother during a military deployment over a decade ago.
The Allegations and Initial Investigation
Robert Purkiss, 38, allegedly murdered Agnes Wanjiru, a young Kenyan mother, during a six-week military exercise between February and April 2012. The incident occurred near the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Nanyuki.
According to court proceedings at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Wanjiru was last seen leaving a hotel with Purkiss during a two-day break for soldiers on March 31, 2012. Her body was discovered two months later in June 2012, "decomposing in a septic tank" near the hotel popular with off-duty soldiers.
Purkiss Breaks His Silence
Now held on remand at a London prison after being refused bail, Purkiss has spoken publicly for the first time through an interview with the Daily Mail, vehemently denying all allegations.
"I did not kill Agnes Wanjuri, I do not believe I ever met her either," Purkiss stated. "Neither would I joke about killing a woman - that conversation has no basis in reality."
The former medic challenged the forensic evidence, noting: "Agnes was stabbed in the abdomen. She would have lost a lot of blood. If I killed her and dumped her body there would have been blood over my clothes and hands. There was none."
International Diplomatic Tensions
The case has sparked a diplomatic dispute between the UK and Kenya, with allegations of an attempted cover-up by army officials at the foreign base. In September, a Kenyan court ordered Purkiss's arrest and extradition to face trial.
Last month, Wanjiru's family travelled to London to meet Defence Secretary John Healey, who assured them of the UK's "steadfast support for their fight for justice."
Purkiss expressed concerns about facing trial in Kenya, describing it as potentially becoming a "show trial." He is receiving Ministry of Defence funding for his legal defence, as confirmed by his barrister David Josse KC.
The case continues to develop, with Purkiss scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a further bail application hearing.
