A former British soldier, accused of the murder of a Kenyan woman whose body was discovered in a septic tank over a decade ago, has publicly declared his innocence for the first time.
Court Appearance and Allegations
Robert James Purkiss, 38, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month to formally oppose his extradition to Kenya. The Kenyan director of public prosecutions alleges that Purkiss is wanted for the 'brutal' murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in 2012.
The court heard disturbing details, including an alleged confession where Purkiss reportedly told a colleague that 'it was sex that went wrong'. Further claims presented to the court suggested that in 2018, Purkiss responded with a 'smiling face emoji' to a social media post by a colleague. The post featured a picture of him outside the Lions Court Hotel in Nanyuki with the caption 'if you know you know', a comment that referenced the septic tank where Ms Wanjiru's body was found.
Purkiss's Public Defence
Breaking his silence, Purkiss gave a statement to the Daily Mail, vehemently denying any involvement. 'I did not kill Agnes Wanjiru, I do not believe I ever met her either,' he stated. He also denied ever joking about the killing, calling the suggestion abhorrent.
Purkiss claims his first knowledge of the incident came weeks later while he was on a military exercise in Canada. He insists he was not in the hotel room linked to the crime and that his unit was back in camp by midnight on the night in question. 'There is no basis in fact to any suggestion I murdered Agnes Wanjiru,' he added, offering an apology to her family for the distress but maintaining his position.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Case
Purkiss's barrister, David Josse KC, told the court on November 7 that his client 'vehemently denies' the murder charge. The court was also informed that Purkiss has received Ministry of Defence funding to assist with his legal defence.
Following the hearing, Purkiss was remanded into custody. A further bail application hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 24 at the same court. This legal battle follows a 2018 Kenyan inquest which officially concluded that Agnes Wanjiru was murdered by British soldiers after she went missing near a British Army base in Nanyuki.
