Murder suspect Kang’ethe denied bail in US

By Peter Ochieng

Murder suspect Kevin Kang’ethe was denied bail or bond by a court in the United States of America (USA) after pleading not guilty to killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu.

Kang’ethe was extradited to the USA from Nairobi on Sunday, following a successful court process by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga.

He was arraigned before the Suffolk Superior Court in Pemberton Square, Boston on Tuesday, where he denied murdering Mbitu.

The court ruled that he will be held without bail, prejudice or bias. The prosecution is led by Ada Mark Lee.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the court heard that the suspect and deceased were in a romantic relationship that had been marred by reports of domestic violence.

The matter was set for a pre-trial date before the Homicide section on 5th November 2024 at 2pm.

While announcing Kang’ethe’s extradition, DPP Ingonga said he was ready to offer his support to the US authorities, so as to ensure that justice is served.

“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 said in a statement to newsrooms.

"To the family of the Late Margaret Mbitu, we offer our support and prayers," he added.

In June, DPP assured the Federal Bureau Investigations (FBI) Director Christopher Wray that his office is keen to ensure justice is served.

Kevin Kinyanjui Kang'ethe was rearrested in February 2024, after he dramatically escaped from police custody, days after being arrested in connection with the murder of his girl-friend in Kenya, then ‘running back’ to Kenya.

The 40-year-old suspect allegedly killed Mbitu on October 31, 2023. Massachusetts State Police in early November 2023, said Kang'ethe had left her body in a car at Logan International Airport, and boarded the next flight to Kenya.