Murder suspect Kang’ethe extradited to the US for trial

Kevin Kinyanjui Kang’ethe, a Kenyan sought by the United States for the murder of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, has been extradited from Nairobi.

The extradition, confirmed by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Monday, September 2, 2024, paves the way for Kang’ethe to face trial in the US.

Kang’ethe, who fled to Kenya in 2023 after the crime, was captured by Kenyan authorities following an international manhunt. Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina approved his extradition on July 31, 2024, allowing him to leave Nairobi on September 1, 2024.

In a statement, DPP Ingonga announced, “Kevin Kang’ethe has been successfully extradited to the United States and departed Nairobi on September 1, 2024. He is scheduled to appear in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston on September 3, 2024, to face murder charges.”

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Ingonga added, “I want to reiterate my support for the US prosecution team as they proceed with this case. Our commitment to ensuring justice is served remains steadfast.”

The extradition follows assurances given by DPP Ingonga to FBI Director Christopher Wray during their meeting in Nairobi in June 2024, underscoring Kenya’s dedication to promptly addressing the case.

“The ODPP is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice while respecting the public interest and preventing abuse of the legal process,” the statement concluded.