Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Former British Soldier Arrested in London for Alleged Kenyan Murder
A man who used to be a soldier in the British army has been arrested in London.
This is because Kenyan police want to question him about a woman named Agnes Wanjiru, who died in Kenya over ten years ago, in 2012.
She was found in a septic tank after being seen with some soldiers.
A Kenyan judge decided she was murdered by soldiers.
Now, the man is in jail in London and will have court dates to decide if he will go back to Kenya to face charges.
People in Kenya are upset about how long it has taken to find justice for Agnes and her baby.
The British government is saying they will help but can't talk much because of the court case.
A former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, has been arrested in London in connection with the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya.
Kenyan authorities issued an arrest warrant and requested Purkiss's extradition in September.
Agnes Wanjiru, 21, was found in a septic tank at the Lion’s Court Hotel near a UK army training camp.
A 2019 Kenyan inquest concluded Wanjiru was murdered by soldiers, likely beaten and stabbed before being thrown into the tank.
Purkiss appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and has been remanded into custody until his next appearance on November 14.
- Who
- Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier, and Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman.
- What
- Arrest of a former British soldier in London for extradition proceedings related to the alleged murder of Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya in 2012.
- When
- The arrest occurred on Thursday, and the suspect appeared in court the same day. The murder allegedly happened in 2012, with an inquest in 2019 and an extradition request in September.
- Where
- The arrest took place in London, UK. The alleged murder occurred near a UK army training camp in Nanyuki, Kenya.
- Why
- Purkiss is wanted by Kenyan authorities for the alleged murder of Agnes Wanjiru, who was found dead in a septic tank after last being seen with a group of British soldiers.
Kenyan Authorities & Wanjiru's Family
British Government
Justice for Agnes Wanjiru
Kenyan Authorities & Wanjiru's Family
Demand prosecution of the former soldier and argue that killers are being shielded by a defence cooperation agreement.
British Government
States it is inappropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings but is committed to helping the family secure justice.
- Suspect Name
- Robert James Purkiss
- Suspect Age
- 38
- Victim Name
- Agnes Wanjiru
- Victim Age
- 21
- Year of Death
- 2012
- Location of Arrest
- London, UK
- Court Appearance
- Westminster Magistrates’ Court
- Next Court Date
- November 14