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 issued through Leigh Day, the lawyers acting for Ms. Wanjiru's family, on Friday Ms. Njoki said: '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 highlighted this as a crucial moment for the family, emphasizing the need for the UK and Kenyan authorities to work together to ensure the suspect faces trial in Kenya. The case has raised serious concerns over accountability related to British soldiers, with allegations that the British army covered up the circumstances surrounding Wanjiru's death.