DPP Pushes for Kevin Kang'ethe Extradition to the US in High-Profile Murder Case

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has urged a Milimani court in Nairobi to grant their request for the extradition of Kevin Kang'ethe to the United States.

The case centres on the alleged murder of Margaret Mbitu and has since garnered attention due to its international implications and complex legal considerations. The case involves Kevin Kang'ethe, a 40-year-old fugitive who is detained pending a ruling on his potential extradition to the US. Kang'ethe faces charges related to the death of Margaret Mbitu which occurred on October 31, 2023, in Boston. The extradition process was initiated based on a warrant from Massachusetts, and Kang'ethe's arrest in Westlands on January 30, 2024, marked a crucial moment in the case.

Prosecution Counsel Vincent Monda has presented a compelling argument for Kang'ethe's extradition. He emphasizes the necessity of establishing a connection between the accused and the criminal incident. Monda points out that at the time of his arrest, Kang'ethe was found in possession of items belonging to the deceased, including Margaret's driving license and bank cards. These items, Monda argues, indicate a clear link between Kang'ethe and the victim. The prosecution further notes that the extradition treaty between Kenya and the United States includes murder as an extraditable offence.

Monda clarifies that the Magistrate's role in this case is not to evaluate the merits of the charge but to confirm the existence of a connection between Kang'ethe and the alleged crime. Kang'ethe's defence team has faced challenges in responding to the DPP's application. Despite being given timelines to submit their response, several months have passed without a filing. In the interest of fairness and to ensure progress in the case, the court has granted Kang'ethe an additional 14 days to present his defence. This extension is partly due to the absence of his advocate during the proceedings.

In a related development, Kang'ethe has sought permission to access funds from a financial institution to support his ongoing legal case. Magistrate Lucas Onyina has instructed the officer in charge at Nairobi remand to assess the situation and determine which financial institution could accommodate Kang'ethe's request under escort. The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the DPP's extradition application on July 31, 2024. This decision will determine whether Kevin Kang'ethe will be extradited to the United States to face trial for first-degree murder.