The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Kenya has secured an extradition order for Sancho Kibutu, a Kenyan fugitive wanted in the United States for sentencing. Kibutu was convicted of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code, and faces sentencing for a fatal drunk-driving offence that occurred in 2013. The DPP announced the development on Friday, stating that Kibutu would be surrendered to the US to face sentencing.
According to the DPP, Kibutu was arrested on September 9, 2026, in Runda, Kenya, pursuant to an extradition request between the governments of Kenya and the US. He was subsequently presented before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on September 10, 2026, to commence extradition proceedings. On Friday, Kibutu appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena at the Milimani Law Courts and indicated his willingness to comply with the court’s orders.
The incident that led to Kibutu's conviction occurred on October 11, 2013, when he was driving on Golden State Boulevard in California. Kibutu, then aged 32, crossed the double yellow line and crashed into another vehicle, killing a 16-year-old passenger and injuring the driver and two other occupants of the vehicle. He was later convicted of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while intoxicated but failed to appear for sentencing in October 2013.
Kibutu remained a fugitive for 13 years before his arrest in Runda on September 9, 2026. The DPP stated that the successful extradition proceedings underscore its continued role in facilitating international cooperation in the administration of justice and ensuring that fugitives wanted to face criminal justice processes are brought before the courts.
The extradition request was made by the US government, which had been seeking Kibutu's extradition since his conviction in 2013. The DPP's office worked closely with the Kenyan authorities to apprehend Kibutu and initiate extradition proceedings. Kibutu's extradition is expected to bring closure to the family of the victim and ensure that justice is served.
The DPP's office has been actively involved in facilitating international cooperation in the administration of justice, and this case demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that fugitives are brought to justice. The extradition of Kibutu is a significant milestone in the DPP's efforts to cooperate with international authorities in prosecuting crimes.
The case highlights the importance of international cooperation in prosecuting crimes and ensuring that fugitives are brought to justice. Kibutu's extradition is expected to be finalized soon, and he will be surrendered to the US authorities to face sentencing for his role in the fatal drunk-driving offence.
Key points
- The Kenyan DPP has secured an extradition order for Sancho Kibutu, who is wanted in the US for a 2013 fatal drunk-driving offence.
- Kibutu was convicted of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and faces sentencing for the offence.
- The extradition proceedings demonstrate the DPP's commitment to facilitating international cooperation in the administration of justice.
