Robert James Purkiss, a former British soldier, has been denied bail for the second time amid accusations that he murdered 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya in 2012. Purkiss, who denies the allegations, is currently contesting his extradition to Kenya following his arrest in November.
During a hearing at the High Court on December 17, Ms Justice Norton rejected Purkiss’s latest bail application. This follows a previous refusal last month at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, despite a £15,000 security offer.
Ms Justice Norton recounted that Purkiss was on a six-week military training exercise in early 2012 when he reportedly went on a drinking spree, ultimately visiting the Lions Court Hotel in Nanyuki, Kenya. Ms Wanjiru’s body was later discovered in a nearby septic tank, bearing stab wounds to the abdomen.
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Purkiss maintains his innocence, stating he had never met Ms Wanjiru and only learned of her death weeks after the event. However, the court heard he allegedly told a colleague that “it was sex that went wrong,” which was cited as an apparent confession. Joel Smith KC, representing the Kenyan authorities, emphasized that this statement was supported by witness testimony and included a sober, later confession made on base. He also referenced social media comments by Purkiss and his colleagues made years after the incident.
David Josse KC, defending Purkiss, highlighted the support from Purkiss’s wife, who has provided statements affirming their strong relationship. He argued that Purkiss was unlikely to flee, noting that he did not evade capture despite knowing an arrest warrant was imminent.
Despite these arguments, the bail application was denied. Purkiss is expected to face a four-day extradition hearing scheduled for November 16, 2026.