Murder suspect Kevin Kang'ethe extradited to US

Former fugitive Kevin Kang’ethe has been extradited to the United States to face murder charges for allegedly killing Maragert Mbitu in October last year.

“Kang’ethe left Nairobi on September 1, 2024, and is set to face the charge of murder at Suffolk Superior Court in Pemberton Square, Boston on September 3, 2024,” the DPP said in a statement on Monday.

His extradition was allowed by Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucan Onyina who ruled that he be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge under Massachusetts general law on August 1.

It also comes a few weeks after the Federal Bureau Investigations (FBI) Director Christopher Wray visited the country during which he expressed concern over the suspect’s escape from custody noting the need for the US to

“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. To the family of the late Margaret Mbitu, we offer our support and prayers,” DPP Renson Ingonga said in the statement.

Court documents say that the fugitive who has been on the run for the last two months killed Margaret (36) on October 31, last year by stabbing her multiple times in the face and neck leaving her body in a locked car in a parking garage at Boston International Airport before fleeing the US.

Mbitu nicknamed "Maggie" was reported missing after her employer called and said she had not shown up for her nursing job in Halifax.

Missing person posters shared by her family and friends online said Mbitu was last seen after she left her workplace on October 30.

Arrest warrant

After finding the body on November 1 last year at around 6:30 pm, Massachusetts State Police issued an arrest warrant on the suspect on November 2. They urged the suspect to surrender himself to authorities.

“We urge this suspect to turn himself to authorities before he or anyone else gets hurt. We are making every effort possible to apprehend him and to begin the process of seeking justice for Margaret Mbitu and those mourning her tragic death,” Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden said in a statement at the time.

At the time, Kang’ethe (40), had silently jetted into the country and gone into hiding but was constantly in communication with his friends back in the USA and family members, relatives, and friends using different telephone numbers.

He was arrested on the night of January 30 by detectives working with US security agencies in the matter at a club in Parklands.

However, in a shocking turn of events, the suspect escaped custody on February 8 at Muthaiga Police Station in a dramatic walk away shortly after meeting his lawyer John Ndegwa Maina.

A manhunt for him was then launched, even as police continued holding his lawyer to assist with the probe.

The suspect was afterwards re-arrested in Embulbul in Ngong on Tuesday evening as he sought refuge at one of his relatives’ homes.

Four police officers were interdicted following his escape from custody.