Murder Suspect Kevin Kang’ethe Extradited to the U.S. to Face Trial

PHOTO: Kevin Kang’ethe

Kenyan murder suspect Kevin Kang’ethe has been extradited to the United States to face charges in the murder of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu. This extradition, approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, marks a critical step in the international case. Kang’ethe is expected to appear before a Boston court on Tuesday, September 3.

Extradition Approval by the DPP

On Sunday, Kang’ethe’s extradition was successfully executed with the support of Kenyan authorities. The DPP, Renson Ingonga, approved this move after months of coordination between Kenya and the United States. Ingonga assured that his office would continue to support the U.S. prosecution team, especially as the case progresses in court.

In his statement, Ingonga expressed his dedication to justice for the victim’s family. “We offer our support and prayers to the family of the late Margaret Mbitu,” said Ingonga, emphasizing that the legal process will be thorough and fair.

This high-profile case has captured international attention since November 2023 when Margaret Mbitu’s body was discovered inside a vehicle at Boston’s Logan Airport. The 31-year-old victim was reported to have been in a relationship with Kang’ethe at the time of her death. The suspect fled to Kenya shortly after the crime, sparking a months-long manhunt across borders.

FBI Collaboration

The U.S. authorities, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), played a crucial role in tracking Kang’ethe. In June 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray met with DPP Ingonga, securing the Kenyan office’s commitment to facilitating the extradition. This collaboration resulted in a concerted effort to bring Kang’ethe to justice.

Now, with Kang’ethe in U.S. custody, prosecutors will pursue justice in Boston. The suspect faces murder charges related to the death of Mbitu. While details of the crime remain part of an ongoing investigation, the case hinges on key forensic evidence and witness testimony gathered by U.S. law enforcement.

A Dramatic Escape and Arrest

Kang’ethe’s extradition comes after a string of dramatic events. Following his initial arrest in Kenya in January 2024, he faced a 30-day detainment order for further investigation. However, on February 8, Kang’ethe made a daring escape from police custody at the Muthaiga Police Station, further complicating the case.

According to the police report, the escape unfolded in broad daylight. At approximately 4 p.m., a man identifying himself as Kang’ethe’s personal lawyer, John Maina Ndegwa, arrived at the police station. He requested to speak privately with his client, a common procedure in legal representation. The officers, trusting the visitor’s credentials, removed Kang’ethe from his cell and left him alone with his ‘lawyer’ in a separate room, anti-crime office number 3.

However, just 90 minutes later, chaos ensued. The station commander heard a commotion as officers attempted to chase after Kang’ethe, who had fled the station. By the time officers reacted, Kang’ethe had vanished, triggering a manhunt across Kenya.

Re-arrest After Tip-off

After five days on the run, Kang’ethe was re-arrested on February 13. Acting on a tip from one of his relatives, police surrounded a family-owned farm in Ngong, where the fugitive had been hiding. The relative, who chose to remain anonymous, had grown concerned about the trouble Kang’ethe’s disappearance was causing for the family. Moreover, the relative had a personal connection to Mbitu, the murdered woman, which motivated the decision to alert the authorities.

Police surrounded the property and arrested Kang’ethe without incident. They discovered that he had been hiding during the day and leaving the farm at night to visit friends and family in the area. After his capture, the court ordered Kang’ethe to be detained at the Industrial Area Remand Prison until his extradition could be processed.

Facing Justice in the U.S.

The case now moves to the U.S. courts, where Kang’ethe will face a trial in Boston. The prosecutors will present the evidence gathered during the investigation, including forensic details and testimonies from key witnesses. Given the nature of the crime and its international implications, the trial will draw significant attention from both the media and legal experts.

The DPP’s office, in cooperation with the FBI, remains committed to ensuring that justice prevails. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure Kang’ethe’s safe transfer to the U.S., where he will stand trial for the heinous crime he is accused of,” Ingonga stated, underlining his office’s dedication to cross-border justice.

The Family’s Pain

The extradition of Kang’ethe offers a glimmer of hope for Margaret Mbitu’s grieving family. Since her tragic death, her loved ones have waited for justice to be served. While they continue to mourn her loss, the prospect of a fair trial provides some measure of comfort.

Mbitu’s family has received support from both the Kenyan and U.S. authorities throughout the investigation. In his statement, DPP Ingonga reassured them that they will not be left behind in the pursuit of justice. His office remains committed to helping the family navigate this difficult time, with the hope that the trial will bring closure to their devastating ordeal.

 Awaiting the Verdict

As the trial date approaches, both nations will watch closely to see how the case unfolds. The partnership between Kenya and the U.S. highlights the importance of international cooperation in fighting crime. Kang’ethe’s extradition marks a significant milestone in the case, but the ultimate goal remains: justice for Margaret Mbitu.

Kevin Kang’ethe now faces a U.S. legal system determined to uncover the truth behind the tragic events in Boston. As the trial progresses, the world will wait for the verdict that may finally bring justice for the victim and her family.