A Kenyan fugitive wanted in the United States to face sentencing over a fatal drunk-driving conviction is set to be extradited after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) secured a court order for his surrender.
Sancho Kibutu appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena at the Milimani Law Courts, where he surrendered to the extradition request and indicated his willingness to comply with the court’s orders.
According to an ODPP statement on Friday, September 25, 2026, Kibutu was arrested following an extradition request by the governments of Kenya and the United States.
“Sancho Kibutu appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Teresia Nyangena at the Milimani Law Courts, where he surrendered to the extradition request and indicated his willingness to comply with the court’s orders,” DPP said.
He is wanted in California after being convicted of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code, alongside three special allegations.
According to the extradition request, Kibutu had been on the run since October 11, 2013, after failing to comply with an order issued by the Superior Court of California, County of Madera.
“Kibutu was arrested pursuant to an extradition request by the Governments of the United States of America and Kenya. He is expected to be surrendered to the United States to face sentencing following his conviction for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code, together with three special allegations,” DPP stated.
The court had directed him to appear for sentencing on October 28, 2013, but he failed to turn up.
His extradition will allow US authorities to proceed with the sentencing process arising from the conviction.
The DPP said the successful proceedings demonstrate Kenya’s role in international cooperation in criminal justice and efforts to ensure fugitives wanted to answer to criminal charges are brought before courts.
The prosecution was led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Magdalene Nduati, assisted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Njoki and Prosecution Counsel Fatma Shaban.
The case also highlights the use of extradition proceedings to facilitate cooperation between Kenya and foreign jurisdictions in pursuing individuals wanted to face outstanding criminal justice processes.
