Kevin Kinyanjui Kang’ethe, a Kenyan man wanted in 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, sets the stage for Kang’ethe to face trial in the US.
Kang’ethe, who fled to Kenya in 2023 following the incident, was apprehended by Kenyan authorities after an international pursuit.
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina ruled in favour of his extradition on July 31, 2024, clearing the way for his departure on September 1, 2024.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has successfully secured the extradition of Kevin Kang’ethe to the United States of America. Kang’ethe left Nairobi on September 1, 2024, and is set to face the charge of murder at Suffolk Superior Court in Pemberton Square, Boston on September 3, 2024,” the statement by DPP read in part.
“He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina who subsequently ruled that he be extradited. I wish to reiterate my commitment and support whenever needed to the United States of America and in particular the prosecution team as they proceed with the next phase of the case,” Ingonga stated.
ODPP said the extradition follows assurances made by DPP Ingonga to FBI Director Christopher Wray during discussions in Nairobi in June 2024, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to expeditiously handling the case.
“The extradition comes after Mr. Renson Ingonga, OGW assured Federal Bureau Investigations (FBI) Director Christopher Wray during talks in Nairobi in June 2024 that his office was keen to ensure justice involving this case is done expeditiously.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate by the rule of law and further, with due regard to the public interest, the administration of justice, and prevention of abuse of the legal process,” the statement read.
