Ex-British Soldier Faces Extradition for 2012 Murder of Kenyan Woman

Sat Nov 08 2025 04:00:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Robert James Purkiss is accused of murdering Agnes Manjiru in Kenya, with his extradition being pursued after years of delay. The case has been a focal point of justice efforts for the victim's family.

Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier, has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Agnes Manjiru, a Kenyan woman whose body was discovered in a septic tank in 2012. Following a long battle for justice, Ms. Manjiru's family expressed relief over the arrest, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Purkiss, who intends to contest his extradition, is currently remanded until his next court appearance.

Ex-British Soldier Faces Extradition for 2012 Murder of Kenyan Woman

35 minutes ago

Steve Mellen and

Alys Davies

Agnes Manjiru's body was found in a septic tank three months after she vanished

A former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, has been arrested in Tidworth, Wiltshire, as part of the extradition process to face charges related to the murder of Agnes Manjiru, who vanished in Kenya in 2012. Purkiss was apprehended by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and made his initial court appearance on charges of murder. Claiming innocence, he plans to contest extradition in court.

Agnes Manjiru's remains were tragically discovered in a septic tank in Nanyuki three months after her disappearance, leading to ongoing efforts by her family to pursue justice. Her family expressed gratitude for the arrest, underscoring its significance in their decade-long quest to hold her alleged murderer accountable. As the legal process unfolds, both British and Kenyan authorities are urged to cooperate to ensure a trial ensues swiftly.