NAIROBI, Kenya — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has commenced extradition proceedings against Sancho Kibutu, a Kenyan fugitive wanted in the United States to face sentencing following his conviction over a fatal drunk-driving offence.
Kibutu was presented before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi after his arrest in Runda, Nairobi County, as the DPP moved to begin proceedings arising from a formal extradition request by US authorities.
The request, dated December 3, 2019, was 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.
Kibutu wanted in California
US authorities say Kibutu went on the run on 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 fugitive status ended on September 9, 2026, when he was arrested in Runda.
The arrest was carried out pursuant to a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani on September 3, 2026.
The extradition proceedings are intended to determine the legal process for his possible surrender to US authorities to face the outstanding sentencing proceedings.
Court rejects bond application
When Kibutu appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena, 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 if granted release.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Kibutu posed a substantial flight risk.
The prosecution team was led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, assisted by Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara and Abdalla Lyaga.
The prosecution cited the outstanding extradition request, the seriousness of the offence and Kibutu’s previous failure to appear before the US court as grounds for opposing his release.
Kibutu detained at Gigiri Police Station
After considering the application, the court declined to release Kibutu on bond or cash bail.
The magistrate ordered that he be detained at Gigiri Police Station pending further directions.
The matter will return to court on September 15, 2026, when further directions are expected to be issued on the extradition proceedings.
Extradition case follows years as fugitive
Kibutu’s case dates back more than a decade to the period when he allegedly failed to appear for sentencing in California after his conviction.
The US extradition request was formally submitted in 2019, but the proceedings in Kenya have now been triggered following his arrest in Nairobi.
