Kenya Extradites Man Wanted for US Murder Charges

Kenyan authorities extradite a man to the United States to face murder charges. Learn more about the unfolding international criminal case.

Authorities announced on Monday that a man from Kenya who fled the United States nearly one year ago to face murder charges in Massachusetts has now been extradited.

Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe is a suspect in the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu. Her body was discovered on October 31st inside a car at Logan International Airport in Boston.

According to Kenyan Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, Kangethe departed from Nairobi on Sunday and is scheduled to stand trial for murder at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston by Tuesday.

“On Monday, Ingonga stated that he remains committed and supportive of the United States of America. He also expressed his willingness to assist the prosecution team during their next phase.”

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According to the prosecution, in July, an extradition order had already been issued by the court.

In January, Kangethe renounced his U.S. citizenship and made a dramatic escape from police custody following a meeting with his Kenyan lawyer. Four officers present during the incident were disciplined accordingly. Although he was recaptured after seven days, extradition proceedings against him persisted.

Mbitu, who was Kangethe’s girlfriend and worked as a health care aide in Halifax, Massachusetts, disappeared on Oct. 30 after leaving work. Her family reported her missing subsequently.

During the extradition case hearing, it was revealed by the prosecution in Kenya that Mbitu had departed from her workplace and journeyed to Lowell, Massachusetts – where Kangethe resided – according to preliminary investigations.

According to prosecutors, Kangethe had personal belongings of the deceased in his possession.