A former British soldier is facing extradition to Kenya in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old woman there in 2012.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said Robert James Purkiss was arrested in Tidworth, Wiltshire on 6 November and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.
He was arrested by specialist officers from the NCA's National Extradition Unit in connection with the killing of Agnes Manjiru after a warrant was issued in September, the agency added.
Mr Purkiss, 38, told the court he intended to contest the extradition and was remanded into custody ahead of his next appearance at the same court on 14 November.
His lawyers told the court that he vehemently denies murder.
Ms Wanjiru's body was discovered in a septic tank near a hotel in the town of Nanyuki, about 124 miles (200km) north of Nairobi, three months after she had gone missing on 31 March 2012. She had a five-month-old baby at the time.
Her body was found near a British army training camp. On the night she was killed, she had reportedly been at a bar with friends where British soldiers were also present.
Ms Wanjiru's niece, Esther Njoki, met the UK's defence minister last month in order to push for Mr Purkiss's extradition.
In a statement through Leigh Day, the lawyers acting for Ms Wanjiru's family, Ms Njoki expressed her relief over the arrest, stating, My family is incredibly relieved to hear that the suspect in my aunt's case has been arrested. We have waited so many years for this moment which marks an important step towards finally obtaining justice for our beloved Agnes.
Leigh Day partner Tessa Gregory emphasized this as a significant moment for the family, urging swift cooperation between the UK and Kenyan authorities to ensure Mr Purkiss faces trial in Kenya.
For years, Ms Wanjiru's family has accused the British army of covering up her death and Kenyan authorities of failing to properly investigate the case. An inquest opened in 2018 found that Ms Wanjiru was unlawfully killed, with evidence pointing to involvement from British soldiers.
Recent investigations revealed allegations of misconduct within the British army in Kenya, highlighting issues of sexual exploitation and abuse against local women.
