DPP moves to extradite US fugitive wanted over fatal drunk-driving conviction

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has initiated extradition proceedings to bring a Kenyan fugitive to the United States to face sentencing for his conviction on a fatal drunk-driving offence. Sancho Kibutu appeared in Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, where the extradition process commenced following his arrest in Runda, Nairobi County.

The United States authorities submitted a formal extradition request on December 3, 2019, through the Office of the Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice. Kibutu has been wanted since October 11, 2013, having failed to comply with a Superior Court of California, County of Madera, order to appear for sentencing on October 28, 2013.

He was apprehended on September 9, 2026, in Runda following a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani on September 3, 2026. At his court appearance, Kibutu requested bail, stating his willingness to surrender his passport and comply with any court-imposed conditions. However, the prosecution, led by Duncan Ondimu and supported by Njoki Kihara and Abdalla Lyaga, argued that Kibutu posed a significant flight risk due to the ongoing extradition request, the severity of the offence, and his history of absconding from proceedings in the United States.

The court rejected his request for release and ordered his detention at Gigiri Police Station pending further instructions. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for September 15, 2026, to address additional details.