Breaking News: Kenyan Fugitive in Massachusetts Girlfriend Murder Case Finally Extradited!
A Kenyan man facing murder charges has been extradited and is back in Massachusetts nearly a year after fleeing the United States, authorities reported on Monday.
Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe is wanted for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu. Her body was found in a car at Logan Airport on October 31. Kangethe had fled the country, leaving Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Sunday.
He is now set to face murder charges at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston on Tuesday, according to Kenyan Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga.
Ingonga expressed support for the U.S. prosecution team as they proceed with the case, saying, “I wish to reiterate my commitment and support, whenever needed, to the United States of America, and in particular the prosecution team as they proceed with the next phase of the case.”
The extradition order for Kangethe had been issued by the court earlier in July. Massachusetts District Attorney Kevin Hayden expressed gratitude to the authorities involved in the case, saying, “I am deeply grateful for all of the state, federal, and Kenyan authorities who have worked so diligently to return Kevin Kangethe to Boston. I am particularly grateful that Maggie Mbitu’s family and friends will finally see the man charged with her death appear in court.”
Kangethe, who has renounced his U.S. citizenship, had made a dramatic escape from a police cell in Kenya in January after a visit from his lawyer. Four police officers on duty at the time of his escape faced disciplinary action. Kangethe was re-arrested a week later, and his extradition case continued.
In early November, Massachusetts State Police reported that Kangethe had left Mbitu’s body in a car at Logan Airport and boarded a flight to Kenya. Massachusetts officials worked with Kenyan authorities to locate him, and he was arrested in a nightclub on January 30 after being on the run for three months.
Margaret Mbitu, a healthcare aide from Halifax, was last seen leaving work on October 30. Her family reported her missing. Investigators found that she had left work and traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, where he lived.
The Mbitu family issued a statement expressing gratitude to the District Attorney, investigators, police, and victim advocates for their support. “We are deeply grateful to the District Attorney, investigators, police, and victim advocates who have supported our family and are ensuring Maggie’s killer is held responsible,” they said.
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“We will have no further comment before tomorrow’s court hearing and request that the media respect our family’s privacy at this difficult time.” Kangethe is expected to appear in Suffolk Superior Court on Tuesday morning.