Notable Criminal Cases Involving Kenyans Abroad

Over the years, many Kenyans living abroad have faced legal issues leading to lengthy sentences.

Quincy Timberlake

In Australia, former Kenyan presidential candidate Quincy Timberlake was convicted of manslaughter for the death of his three-year-old son, Sinclair. The tragic incident occurred in 2014 at their home near Brisbane. Initially claiming an accidental fall, the truth was later revealed by Timberlake's wife Esther Arunga. Diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia, Timberlake received an 11-year sentence with parole eligibility after nine years, taking into account his mental health conditions.

The Akasha brothers

The United States has seen several notable cases involving Kenyan nationals. The Akasha brothers, Baktash and Ibrahim, were sentenced to 25 and 23 years respectively for their involvement in a vast international drug trafficking network. Their arrest in Mombasa, Kenya, and subsequent conviction in the US marked a significant victory in the global fight against drug trafficking.

Kevin Kang'ethe

Kevin Kang'ethe is alleged to have killed his partner, Margaret Mbitu, and run away to Kenya. He was deported back to the United States to be tried for the murder after being arrested in Nairobi. He had initially managed to get away from the police but was eventually apprehended again.

Leonard Mwithiga

Kenyan banker Leonard Mwithiga, 52, faces serious charges in Connecticut for allegedly planning to eliminate a female relative. Court documents reveal he sought assistance from an Uber driver to hire a hitman between September and December 2023. Mwithiga's plot was foiled when he met an undercover officer posing as a hitman at a motel. The plan involved making the relative's death appear as a fentanyl overdose. His defence team maintained his innocence, claiming he was in the US for legal matters before a planned trip to Kenya.

Stephen Munyakho

Kenyan national, Stephen Munyakho is facing execution in Saudi Arabia for murder but has since received a reprieve after Kenyan diplomats secured a postponement of his scheduled beheading through intense negotiations. Munyakho's case, which began as a manslaughter charge in 2011, escalated to a death sentence after an appeal by the victim's family. The delay allows for further discussions between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.

Abduba Dida

Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohammed Abduba Dida is currently serving a seven-year sentence in Illinois, USA, for stalking and intimidation. Convicted in 2022, Dida is set for release in 2029. Known for his memorable performances in Kenya's 2013 and 2017 presidential debates, Dida recently challenged his prison conditions in court, claiming denial of educational programs and medical attention. However, his case was dismissed for lack of constitutional grounds.

Paul Maucha

Kenyan national Paul Maucha, 59, was on February 1, 2024, sentenced to 11 years in prison for an advance fee and investment scheme that defrauded multiple victims. A federal jury convicted Maucha of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property. The scheme involved misrepresentations about his company, American Eagle Services Group Inc., and its ability to provide loans. Maucha was ordered to pay significant fines, restitution, and forfeiture. US Attorney Matthew M. Graves emphasized the sentence's role in holding Maucha accountable and deterring similar scams.

Erick Gachuchi Wanjiku'

A federal jury convicted Wanjiku of assaulting two immigration officers in Oklahoma City in May 2023. The incident occurred during fingerprinting at an ICE facility, where Wanjiku kicked one officer and bit another. Following the conviction, a judge sentenced Wanjiku to 36 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release, citing his violent history and the need for public protection. After serving his sentence, Wanjiku will face deportation proceedings.