Kevin Kang'ethe apprehended in Nairobi after high-profile escape from US murder charges

Kenyan authorities announced on Wednesday that Kevin Kang’ethe, the suspect linked to the murder of his girlfriend in the United States, has been successfully recaptured after a daring escape that garnered international attention.

Kang’ethe, detained in January pending extradition to the United States for the death of Margaret Mbitu, managed to slip away from police custody last week, sparking an extensive manhunt. Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei confirmed the re-arrest, disclosing that Kang’ethe had sought refuge at a relative’s residence on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Bungei stated, “He will now be taken to court to face charges of escaping from lawful custody as he awaits extradition.” The police, acting on a tip from the public, ambushed Kang’ethe in Ngong town, approximately 27 kilometers from Nairobi, bringing an end to the days-long search.

The magistrate’s court in Nairobi decided on Wednesday that Kang’ethe would be held in prison instead of a police cell during the extradition process. The court scheduled the case related to his escape for further directions on February 19, with the extradition hearing set for March 4.

The escape was a major embarrassment for Kenyan authorities, as Bungei acknowledged, expressing the need to rectify the situation swiftly. The events unfolded after US and Kenyan authorities initiated a joint manhunt following the discovery of Mbitu stabbed to death in a Boston Logan Airport car park in November.

Margaret Mbitu, a healthcare aide in Halifax, Massachusetts, was last seen leaving work on October 30. Kang’ethe fled the United States for his native Kenya, resulting in an arrest warrant. The suspect, aged 41, was removed from his cell last week for a meeting with his lawyer, during which he managed to evade authorities.

In connection with Kang’ethe’s escape, four police officers, two relatives, and the lawyer have been arrested and remain in custody. If extradited, Kang’ethe would face a charge of first-degree murder according to Kenyan police. The case continues to unfold as authorities work towards justice for the tragic death of Margaret Mbitu.