FIDA Demands Urgent Extradition of British Soldier in Agnes Wanjiru Murder Case

Nairobi, Kenya — September 24, 2025, 14:10 EAT

The Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA) has urged both Kenya and the United Kingdom to act swiftly on the extradition of a British soldier implicated in the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, describing delays as a threat to justice, accountability, and Kenya’s stand against gender-based violence. 

The Latest

• In a formal statement, FIDA called on the two governments to “expedite the extradition” process so that the accused can face trial in Kenyan courts. 

• The organisation emphasised that prosecuting the case will reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to the rule of law, send a message that violence against women will not go unpunished, and strengthen international cooperation in matters of justice. 

• The demand follows the Nairobi High Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant for a British national suspected of Wanjiru’s murder. 

Context in Brief

• Agnes Wanjiru was a 21-year-old Kenyan woman who disappeared in March 2012 after being last seen leaving a hotel in Nanyuki in the company of British soldiers. After months of searching, her body was found in a septic tank on the hotel grounds. 

• In 2025, probes re-ignited after journalistic investigations (especially by The Sunday Times) and testimonies from soldiers. Authorities identified a suspect, and a High Court judge, Alexander Muteti, issued a warrant for his arrest in Kenya. 

• The suspect is believed by media reports to be Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier, named in court documents as the accused. 

Legal & Process Issues

• For extradition, Kenya must formally submit a request to the UK Ministry of Home Affairs (Home Office), which would then have to endorse it and may involve a hearing in British courts. 

• The extradition process is often contested: the accused may challenge it in UK courts, and factors such as sufficiency of evidence, human rights norms, and diplomatic agreements will come into play. 

• This case has potential precedent: if extradition succeeds, it would be one of the first times a British soldier is sent to another country to face a murder charge involving a civilian. 

Risks & Implications

• Diplomatic sensitivities: The UK–Kenya relationship and defence cooperation (especially via BATUK, the British Army Training Unit Kenya) may come under strain.

• Legal delays: Extradition is rarely fast—judicial processes and appeals may stretch over months or years.

• Precedential effect: Success or failure may set the tone for how Kenya handles foreign suspects, foreign military personnel, and crimes with cross-border dimensions.

• Public perception & gender justice: How quickly and transparently the case proceeds will affect credibility in the fight against gender-based violence and impunity.