The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has commenced extradition proceedings against Kenyan fugitive Sancho Kibutu, who is wanted in the United States to face sentencing following his conviction over a fatal drunk-driving offence.
The DPP presented Kibutu before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, following his arrest in Runda, Nairobi County.
Kibutu is wanted by US authorities pursuant to a formal extradition request dated December 3, 2019, submitted through the Office of the Attorney General and the US Department of Justice.
According to the extradition request, Kibutu was convicted in the United States of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code, together with three special allegations.
US authorities say Kibutu had been on the run since October 11, 2013, after failing to comply with an order of the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Madera, requiring him to appear for sentencing on October 28, 2013.
His 13-year period as a fugitive ended on September 9, 2026, when he was arrested in Runda pursuant to a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani on September 3, 2026.
Kibutu appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena, where he applied to be released on bond or cash bail.
He told the court that he was willing to surrender his passport and comply with any conditions imposed on him.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu and assisted by Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara and Abdalla Lyaga, opposed the application.
The prosecution argued that Kibutu posed a substantial flight risk, citing the outstanding extradition request, the seriousness of the offence and his previous failure to appear before the US court for sentencing.
After considering the application, the court declined to release Kibutu and ordered that he be detained at Gigiri Police Station pending further directions.
The case will be mentioned on September 15, 2026, when the court is expected to give further directions on the extradition proceedings.
