A major development has occurred in the long-running case of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman who disappeared in 2012 and was later found dead in a hotel septic tank near Nanyuki. The Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for Robert James Purkiss formerly of Greater Manchester in relation to the murder.

Judge Alexander Muteti authorised the warrant earlier this week after the prosecution presented evidence that has resulted in formal charges being brought against Purkiss. He is accused of a single count of murder. The warrant marks the first time a suspect has been publicly identified in this case.

Purkiss is a former medic with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. He is 38. He served tours of duty including in Afghanistan. Kenyan authorities are seeking his extradition to face trial in Nairobi.

Ms Wanjiru, a hairdresser and mother, disappeared after going out with friends on 31 March 2012. She was seen in the company of British soldiers at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki. Two months later her body was recovered from a septic tank on the hotel grounds. Inquests and investigations over the years have found she was murdered by one or more British soldiers. The post-mortem indicated she had been stabbed in the chest and abdomen and had suffered other injuries.

Her family have expressed relief and cautious optimism.

“We have lived with the pain of Agnes’s death for over a decade,” their statement said.

“The reports that an arrest warrant has been issued against a UK citizen is a significant moment for us and is incredibly welcome.”

Investigations over the years have repeatedly highlighted systemic failings. A Kenyan inquest held in 2018 concluded that Ms Wanjiru was murdered by one or more British soldiers and criticised delays in pursuing justice. The case drew fresh attention in 2021 when a media investigation prompted several current and former soldiers to publicly name a suspect, adding pressure on authorities in both countries to act.

The UK government has said it will cooperate with Kenyan authorities. A spokesperson said:

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice. We understand that the Kenyan director of public prosecutions has determined that a British national should face trial in relation to the murder of Ms Wanjiru in 2012. This is subject to ongoing legal proceedings and we will not comment further at this stage.”

Legal experts note that if Robert James Purkiss is extradited and tried in Kenya, it would be the first instance of a British soldier being handed over to a foreign government to face trial for the murder of a civilian. Such a move could set an important precedent for accountability in cases involving military personnel overseas.

The case is next listed for mention in a Kenyan court on 21 October. The extradition process involves legal hurdles in the UK including certification by the home secretary and possibly a contested hearing.