Extradition hearing for Agnes Wanjiru case delayed to May 2027

Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier, will not face an extradition hearing until May 2027. The date was originally set for November 2026, just three weeks from now. The accused, 38, was arrested in the United Kingdom last November and is currently in custody. He denies the allegation that he murdered Agnes Wanjiru in 2012.

Wanjiru's relatives described the new timeline as completely unacceptable. They stated that authorities failed to inform them of the change directly. Esther Njoki, Wanjiru's niece, said the family learned of the delay through the UK embassy. She noted that no official explanation was provided. Njoki said the family had already raised funds and booked travel for the original hearing date.

The postponement extends an already long legal process. Wanjiru disappeared in March 2012 after a night at a hotel in Nanyuki. This town is located 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, where British troops were stationed for training exercises. Her body was discovered in a septic tank at the hotel nearly three months later. She had sustained stab wounds to her chest and abdomen.

At the time of her death, Wanjiru was 21 years old and left behind a daughter who was five months old. Her daughter, Stacy, is now an adult. The family argues that the delay prevents them from getting answers. Njoki stated that the family deserves to be treated with dignity and kept informed about proceedings that affect their lives.

A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2019 that Wanjiru was unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. In September 2025, the Kenyan High Court issued an arrest warrant for a British national. Prosecutors presented evidence they claimed justified murder charges. Purkiss appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court in February this year. He was remanded in custody at that time.

Last year, John Healey, then the British Defence Secretary, met with Wanjiru's family during a visit to Kenya. He pledged government support for their pursuit of justice. The UK government has previously stated its commitment to helping the family. It has declined to comment on the specific details of the ongoing legal proceedings.

A UK court is expected to explain the reasons for the postponement next week. The family is urging authorities to accelerate the process. They warn that the latest delay means the case will enter its 15th year without a trial.