Kevin Kang’ethe, wanted in the US to face murder charges related to the death of his girlfriend is facing prolonged detention at a Kenyan prison as he navigates extradition proceedings.
The case, which has garnered attention due to its international implications, revolves around allegations that Kang’ethe fled the US after purportedly murdering his girlfriend and abandoning her remains in a car at Boston airport.
Presently held at the Industrial Area prison remand in Kenya, Kang’ethe recently appeared before Milimani chief magistrate Lucas Onyina, seeking time to secure legal representation for his extradition case.
He expressed difficulties in obtaining a lawyer of his choice, citing restricted access to his phone by the authorities.
In response, the state prosecutor informed the court that all necessary documents for Kang’ethe’s extradition trial had been served, urging swift progress in the legal proceedings.
The US government, through the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Renson Ingonga, provided evidence to support the murder charges against Kang’ethe at Boston International Airport.
Despite the prosecution’s readiness, Kang’ethe’s request for more time to engage a lawyer was granted by Magistrate Onyina, emphasizing the importance of upholding the suspect’s constitutional right to legal representation.
The hearing was adjourned until March 13, 2024, to allow Kang’ethe sufficient time to secure legal counsel.
Meanwhile, the prosecution sought Kang’ethe’s detention at a high-security remand facility, expressing concerns about potential flight risks and citing the ongoing investigation into his escape from Muthaiga Police Station custody.
The magistrate acknowledged these apprehensions, rejecting objections from Kang’ethe’s former lawyers, Antony Kago and David Muthama, who advocated for his retention at the police station.
The extradition proceedings have been marred by delays attributed to Kang’ethe, who initially absconded from lawful custody and later changed legal representation.
Magistrate Onyina affirmed the merit of the DPP’s application to remand Kang’ethe in prison.
