Loading News Article...
We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
/
/
We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
