DPP seeks to extradite Kenyan fugitive to U.S over fatal drunk-driving conviction

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has commenced extradition proceedings against a Kenyan fugitive wanted in the United States of America to face sentencing following his conviction for a fatal drunk-driving offence.

According to the DPP, the suspect, Sancho Kibutu appeared before Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi following his arrest in Runda, Nairobi County on Wednesday, September 9. 

The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, assisted by Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara and Abdalla Lyaga, presented the extradition request from the US, citing that the suspect has been on the run since October 11, 2013. 

Kibutu was convicted in the US of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5 (a) of the California Penal Code, together with three special allegations.

The US indicated that Kibutu failed to comply with an order of the Superior Court of the State of California requiring him to appear for sentencing on October 28, 2013.

Following the ordeal, Kibutu fled to Nairobi where he has been on the run until September 9, 2026. 

During the court proceedings, the suspect applied to be released on bond or cash bail, indicating that he was willing to surrender his passport and comply with any conditions imposed by the court.

However, the Prosecution team argued that Kibutu posed a substantial flight risk owing to his previous conduct of absconding from proceedings in the United States.

After considering the application, the court declined to release Kibutu and ordered that he be detained at Gigiri Police Station pending further directions.

The matter will be mentioned on September 15, 2026, for further directions.