The family of Agnes Wanjiru has condemned a further delay in the extradition proceedings against former British soldier Robert James Purkiss, who is accused of murdering the young Kenyan mother in 2012.
The hearing, which had been scheduled for next month, has reportedly been pushed to May 2027, leaving the family frustrated after years of waiting for the case to proceed. Wanjiru’s relatives described the postponement as unacceptable, saying they had not received an official explanation and were only informed through the British High Commission.
Her niece, Esther Njoki, said the family had endured years of uncertainty while waiting for accountability over Wanjiru’s death. The family also expressed concern that the delay would prolong the suffering of Wanjiru’s daughter, Stacy, who was only five months old when her mother died.
In a statement, the relatives called for the proceedings to be expedited and urged authorities to keep them informed of developments in a case that has deeply affected their lives. They had reportedly raised funds and made travel arrangements to attend the hearing in the United Kingdom, which was expected to take place in about three weeks.
The family now fears that the latest postponement will see the case enter its 15th year without a murder trial. A UK court is expected to explain the reasons for the delay next week.
Wanjiru, 21, disappeared in March 2012 after spending an evening at a hotel in Nanyuki, where British military personnel were based for training exercises. Her body was discovered nearly three months later inside a septic tank at the hotel. She had sustained stab wounds to her chest and abdomen.
A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2019 that she had been unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. In September 2025, the Kenyan High Court issued an arrest warrant for a British national after prosecutors presented evidence they said supported bringing a murder charge.
Purkiss, 38, was arrested in the United Kingdom in November 2025 and is contesting extradition to Kenya, where he would face trial if returned. He denies the allegation. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link in February, when he was further remanded in custody as the extradition proceedings continued.
The case has attracted attention in both countries, with Wanjiru’s family continuing to seek justice more than a decade after her death.
During a visit to Kenya last year, then British Defence Secretary John Healey met the family and pledged support for efforts to secure justice. The UK government has previously stated that it remains committed to supporting the family but has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
