The family of a Kenyan woman, who was allegedly murdered by a British soldier over a decade ago, have expressed their profound relief after extradition proceedings against the suspect finally commenced at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
A Long-Awaited Court Appearance
Robert James Purkiss, 38, appeared in court on Friday, facing efforts by Kenyan prosecutors to bring him to trial in Africa. The former soldier is accused of murdering 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in the town of Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2012. Her body was discovered in a septic tank two months after she was reported missing.
A post-mortem examination revealed the young woman had suffered a 2cm stab wound to the lower abdomen and a collapsed lung. During the hearing, the court was told that Purkiss had allegedly confessed to the killing, telling a colleague that "it was sex that went wrong".
Family's Fight for Justice
Esther Njoki, Ms Wanjiru's niece and the family's spokesperson, told Sky News they were "very happy" that the legal process was now underway. "I don't think at any time we have ever thought that he would ever get arrested. But seeing that things now are changing, we are very happy," she stated.
Ms Njoki described the pursuit of justice as a "long journey" that has lasted 13 years, during which the family sometimes felt like giving up. However, the thought of Agnes's daughter, who survived her, gave them the strength to continue. "We had to take up that fight and to fight for her... I'm not doing this just for Agnes, but even for other generations to come," she vowed.
Denial and Next Steps
Despite the allegations presented in court, Purkiss's lawyer, David Josse KC, stated that his client "vehemently" denies the murder charge and does not consent to extradition to Kenya.
Following Friday's hearing, Purkiss was remanded in custody. The case will continue, with his next court appearance scheduled for 14 November. The family, while relieved by this development, acknowledges the lengthy process that still lies ahead. "We have waited for far too long, 13 years, and we don't know how long the extradition process may take," Ms Njoki said, adding that true peace for the family will only come when justice is served.
