An ex-British soldier is contesting extradition following allegations of killing a young mother while serving abroad. Robert Purkiss, aged 38, is accused of fatally stabbing Agnes Wanjuri, 21, and disposing of her body in a septic tank. Authorities in Kenya have ordered his arrest and return for trial, sparking a diplomatic dispute between the UK and Kenya over potential misconduct by military personnel at the overseas base.
In response to the extradition proceedings, the former soldier has broken his silence, maintaining his innocence. The incident involving Ms. Wanjuri occurred in 2012 near a military training area where Purkiss had been stationed for a six-week exercise. Witnesses reported seeing the Kenyan woman leaving a hotel with Purkiss before her remains were discovered in a septic tank.
Speaking publicly for the first time to the Daily Mail, Purkiss refuted the accusations, claiming he never met Ms. Wanjuri and denying any involvement in her death. He argued that as a medic, he would have had blood on his clothing if he had committed the crime, which was not the case. Purkiss also expressed skepticism about the fairness of a potential trial in Kenya, labeling it a “show trial.”
Despite the serious allegations, Purkiss’s wife, Kelly, has stood by him, emphasizing her belief in his innocence. Legal representation for Purkiss informed the court that he is receiving financial assistance from the Ministry of Defence for his defense. An inquest in 2018 had previously indicated that Ms. Wanjiru was murdered by British soldiers near a British Army base, two months after her disappearance. Purkiss remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.