Murder suspect Kang’ethe extradited to the US

By Peter Ochieng

Murder suspect Kevin Kang'ethe has been extradited to the US, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga says.

He will face charges of killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu.

According to Ingonga, Kang'ethe was successfully extradited on Sunday and is set to face trial in Boston on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

“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.

Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei confirmed the rearrest. “We have re-arrested him. He is in custody and we thank all that helped in this,” he said, then.

The 40-year-old suspect had been detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge, in connection with the death of Margaret Mbitu.

He 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 a flight to Kenya.

He was first arrested in a nightclub on January 30, after being on the run for three months.
 Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina then gave arrest warrant orders after an application by the prosecution.

"In the view of the application that the respondent escaped jail, a warrant of arrest is issued as sought," he ordered.

The court heard that Kang'ethe escaped lawful custody at Muthaiga Police Station on February 7, at around 4 pm. Four police officers who were on duty at the Muthaiga Police Station when Kang'ethe escaped from custody were interdicted.