The family of a Kenyan woman allegedly killed by a British soldier in 2012 say they are dismayed by the latest delay to the extradition process of the former soldier accused of murdering Agnes Wanjiru.
The hearing at which Purkiss will plead not guilty will take place in May 2027 rather than this month.
They said this was “totally unacceptable” as they have not been officially informed of why the case has been delayed and had booked trips to be in the UK.
“We found out about the delay from the UK embassy,” Esther Njoki, Wanjiru’s niece said.
“We have been patient for years but we are being played for fools.”
The family added that Wanjiru’s daughter Stacy deserves to know what happened to her mother and they want the case moved forward quickly. They want better communication between the family and authorities.
They added that due to the latest delay, the case will now enter its 15th year without any trial. A UK court is expected to give an explanation for why the case has been delayed next week.
Wanjiru, aged 21, went missing in March 2012 after a night out at a hotel in Nanyuki around 200km north of Nairobi. British soldiers were stationed in the area as they were doing military training.
Her body was found almost three months later in a septic tank at the hotel. She suffered stab wounds to her chest and stomach and left behind a five-month-old child.
An inquest into her death was held in Kenya in 2019 and concluded she was unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers.
In September 2025, a Kenyan High Court authorised an arrest warrant for a British national as prosecutors provided evidence to prove there were grounds to charge them with murder.
Purkiss, aged 38, was arrested in the UK in November 2025. The soldier is fighting extradition to Kenya to stand trial. Purkiss appeared via videolink at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in February and was remanded in custody again.
Last year, current British Defence Secretary John Healey met Wanjiru’s family during his trip to Kenya and vowed the government would support their fight for justice.
The UK government have previously stated they are committed to supporting the family however they have refused to comment on the case.
This latest delay adds to the case which has highlighted issues around accountability, international legal collaboration and justice for Wanjiru’s family.
