DPP Moves to Extradite Kenyan Fugitive Wanted in US Over Fatal Drunk-Driving Conviction

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has started extradition proceedings against Kenyan fugitive Sancho Kibutu, who is wanted in the United States after being convicted over a fatal drunk-driving offence.

Kibutu appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, September 10, after his arrest in Runda, Nairobi County, a day earlier.

The extradition request from the US is dated December 3, 2019, and was submitted through the Office of the Attorney General and the US Department of Justice.

Kibutu was convicted in the United States of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated under Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code, alongside three special allegations.

According to the request, he had been on the run since October 11, 2013, after failing to comply with an order requiring him to appear for sentencing before the Superior Court of California, County of Madera, on October 28, 2013.

Kibutu Arrested After 13 Years on the Run

Kibutu was arrested in Runda on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, pursuant to a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani,  appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena and asked to be released on bond or cash bail pending the extradition proceedings.

Kibutu told the court he was willing to surrender his passport and comply with any conditions imposed if granted bail. However, prosecution opposed his release, citing a substantial flight risk linked to the outstanding extradition request and his previous conduct.

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Assistant DPP Duncan Ondimu led the prosecution, assisted by Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara and Abdalla Lyaga.

The prosecution also highlighted the nature of the offence and Kibutu’s failure to appear before the California court for sentencing.

Arguments placed his previous absence from US proceedings at the centre of the bail application as the Kenyan court considered whether he should remain in custody during the extradition process.

Court Denies Bail as Extradition Case Proceeds

Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena declined to release Kibutu on bond or cash bail and ordered that he remain at Gigiri Police Station with court expected to give further directions when the matter comes up on September 15.

Kibutu will remain in custody as the Kenyan extradition proceedings continue, with the DPP pursuing the request made by US authorities and the case be determined the next procedural steps before any decision is made on his transfer to the United States.

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His arrest followed the warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani on September 3, paving the way for his presentation before the court with prosecution seeking to have the extradition request processed through the Kenyan legal system.

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Office of the director of public prosecutions. PHOTO/DPP