DPP secures continued detention of Kenyan fugitive pending extradition

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Kenya has granted the continued detention of Kenyan national Sancho Kibutu, who is sought by the United States for sentencing following a conviction for a fatal drunk-driving offence. On Tuesday, a court in Nairobi denied Kibutu's request for bond or cash bail, allowing him to stay in custody while the DPP moves forward with extradition proceedings aimed at his return to the United States.

Kibutu had requested release on bond or cash bail, expressing willingness to abide by any conditions. He also sought extra time to respond to the DPP's extradition application after receiving the relevant extradition files and supporting documents. The application was opposed by the prosecution, headed by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, with contributions from Principal Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara, Prosecution Counsel Fatma Shaban, and Abdalla Lyaga.

The prosecution argued that Kibutu posed a significant flight risk due to the pending extradition request, the severity of the offence, and his history of avoiding proceedings in the United States. In their ruling, the court acknowledged the prosecution's compelling reasons for continuing Kibutu's detention at Gigiri Police Station until the extradition proceedings are heard and determined. The extradition hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2026.