NAIROBI, Kenya — The family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman whose killing in 2012 has been linked to a former British soldier, has condemned a further delay in extradition proceedings against the suspect, with the hearing now reportedly postponed until May 2027.

Wanjiru’s relatives described the postponement as unacceptable, saying they had not been properly informed about the change. The hearing involving former British soldier Robert James Purkiss had been expected to take place next month, according to the BBC.

Purkiss, who was arrested in the United Kingdom in November 2025, is contesting extradition to Kenya, where he is wanted to face a murder charge. He denies the allegation and has indicated through his lawyers that he will challenge the extradition request.

Esther Njoki, Wanjiru’s niece, told the BBC that the family learnt of the postponement through the UK embassy and had received no official explanation. Relatives said they had already raised funds and made travel arrangements to attend the hearing.

The family is urging authorities to expedite the proceedings, warning that the latest delay prolongs a case that has remained unresolved for more than 14 years.

What Happened to Agnes Wanjiru?

Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, disappeared in March 2012 after spending an evening at a hotel in Nanyuki, a town in central Kenya where British soldiers were stationed for training.

Her body was discovered nearly three months later in a septic tank at the hotel. She had suffered stab wounds to her chest and abdomen and left behind a five-month-old daughter.

A Kenyan inquest concluded in 2019 that she had been unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers. However, the case remained unresolved for years.

In September 2025, Kenya’s High Court issued an arrest warrant for a British national after prosecutors presented evidence they said supported bringing a murder charge. Purkiss was subsequently arrested in the UK and began challenging efforts to extradite him.

The case has drawn attention to questions about accountability when serious crimes allegedly involve foreign military personnel stationed abroad.

Family Awaits Explanation for Postponement

Wanjiru’s relatives say the delay has caused further distress after years of uncertainty. They have called for clearer communication from the authorities and a faster resolution of the extradition process.

The family said a UK court is expected to provide reasons for the postponement at a hearing next week.

The British government has previously said it remains committed to supporting efforts to secure justice for Wanjiru’s family, although it has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.

The extradition case is a crucial step towards a possible trial in Kenya, but the allegations against Purkiss have not been determined by a criminal court. The family continues to seek answers over Wanjiru’s death and accountability for the person responsible.

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Agnes Wanjiru Family Condemns Delay in Extradition Hearing Until 2027

Video by: Adigun Faizah

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Agnes Wanjiru Family Condemns Delay in Extradition Hearing Until 2027

Video by: Adigun Faizah

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