International Manhunt Launched for Kenyan-US Dual Citizen Who Fled Murder Trial

Kenyan authorities, in collaboration with Interpol, have launched an international manhunt for Paul Mukumu Mbugua, a dual Kenyan-US citizen, who absconded during his murder trial. 

Mbugua is accused, along with his brother, John Kirika, of orchestrating the murder of his nephew, Dennis Kennedy Mbugua, on January 13, 2023, in Nakuru County's Gilgil sub-county. Mbugua's disappearance on January 18, 2024, has triggered concerns about judicial oversight and the effectiveness of suspect monitoring within Kenya's justice system. Mbugua and Kirika were arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on January 16, 2023, as Mukumu attempted to leave the country, days after the alleged crime. 

Both men were charged with murder in February 2023, pleaded not guilty, and were deemed mentally fit to stand trial. The prosecution had prepared to present testimony from ten witnesses, including family members and neighbours. In March 2023, the suspects petitioned for bail. The State opposed, citing the men as flight risks, noting Mukumu’s earlier attempt to flee and Kirika's soon-to-expire New Zealand work visa, as well as their previous lack of cooperation in a separate assault case for which they were also on bail. 

Despite these objections, High Court Judge Grace Nzioka granted bail with stringent conditions: each suspect was required to post a Sh2 million bond, supported by two Kenyan sureties pledging properties of equivalent value. The court has also ordered the surrender of all travel documents and barred the accused from leaving the country without explicit court approval. Following Mbugua’s failure to appear in court, investigators discovered that the surrendered passport was an outdated document, raising suspicions of premeditated flight. 

By March 2024, authorities sought Interpol's assistance in locating him. In July, the court ordered Mukumu’s security deposit forfeited to the State.
The hearing is set for April 8, 2025.