A British former soldier sought by Kenyan authorities over the 2012 killing of a young woman near a UK military training site has been denied bail as extradition proceedings move forward in London.
Robert Purkiss, wanted in connection with the death of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday. A Kenyan arrest warrant was issued in September, and Purkiss was taken into custody in the UK earlier this month. His legal team said he “strongly denies” any involvement in the case.
During the hearing, lawyers acting for Kenya argued that statements from soldiers who served alongside Purkiss indicate he allegedly admitted to the killing on the night Wanjiru disappeared. According to prosecutors, the new evidence and longstanding concerns about witness accounts prompted Kenya’s renewed extradition request.
Wanjiru’s death has been a sensitive diplomatic issue for more than a decade. Rights groups in Kenya, along with Wanjiru’s family, have long criticised delays in the investigation, arguing that agreements governing British military training in Kenya have complicated efforts to hold suspects accountable. The UK Ministry of Defence has previously said it is committed to supporting the pursuit of justice and cooperation with Kenyan authorities.
Wanjiru was last seen in March 2012 at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki, a town close to where British troops train. Her body was later found at the same location. Joel Smith, representing Kenyan prosecutors, told the court that Wanjiru had been out with friends and a group of British soldiers before she disappeared. Smith said witnesses recalled her leaving the hotel with a soldier in the early hours of the morning and not returning.
He also claimed that Purkiss later pointed out the location where her body was discovered to another soldier and allegedly made remarks suggesting involvement. Purkiss’ defence lawyer, David Josse, challenged the prosecution’s claims and argued that the former soldier posed no flight risk if released.
Judge Paul Goldspring rejected the bail application, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the active extradition request. Purkiss was remanded into custody until his next hearing scheduled for next month. As he was escorted from the courtroom, he acknowledged relatives seated in the public gallery.
Source:Africa Publicity
