Kenyan authorities have extradited Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe to the United States to face murder charges in Massachusetts, nearly a year after he fled the country. Kenyan Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga confirmed on Monday that Kangethe left Nairobi on Sunday and is scheduled to appear at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston on Tuesday.
Kangethe is accused of killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, whose body was discovered in a car at Logan International Airport in Boston on October 31, 2023. Mbitu, a healthcare aide from Halifax, Massachusetts, was last seen leaving work on October 30 and was reported missing by her family.
The case has been marked by dramatic developments, including Kangethe’s escape from police custody in Kenya. In January, he managed to flee from a police cell following a visit from his Kenyan lawyer. This incident led to disciplinary action against four police officers on duty at the time. Kangethe was rearrested a week later, allowing the extradition process to continue.
During the extradition hearings in Kenya, prosecutors revealed that preliminary investigations showed Mbitu had traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he resided, after leaving her workplace. Authorities also stated that Kangethe was found in possession of personal items belonging to the deceased.
Ingonga expressed his commitment to supporting the U.S. prosecution team as they proceed with the next phase of the case. He stated, “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.”
The extradition order was initially issued by a Kenyan court in July, but the process was delayed by Kangethe’s escape and subsequent legal proceedings. Notably, Kangethe has renounced his U.S. citizenship, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
