Kenya has extradited Sancho Kibutu to the United States, 13 years after he failed to appear for sentencing following his conviction over a fatal drunk-driving crash in California.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kibutu was handed over to American authorities in Nairobi before being flown to California, where he is expected to face sentencing.
The extradition followed a request by the United States Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi. Kenyan authorities, including the ODPP and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), facilitated the process through the courts.
The ODPP said the extradition process took four weeks to complete.
Kibutu, who is also known as Sancho Kibuto or Njoroge Kibuto, was arrested in Nairobi on September 9, 2026, after extradition proceedings were initiated.
What Happened in the US?
Kibutu was convicted on September 19, 2013, by the Superior Court of California in Madera County for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Court records indicate that he was driving along Golden State Boulevard when he crossed a double yellow line and collided with another vehicle.
The crash killed a 16-year-old passenger, while the driver and two other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries.
Following his conviction, Kibutu was required to return to court for sentencing on October 28, 2013. However, he failed to appear, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant.
He subsequently remained outside the United States for more than a decade before his arrest in Kenya.
Kenyan Authorities Complete Extradition
The extradition process involved cooperation between Kenyan and American authorities, with the Kenyan courts handling the legal proceedings required before his transfer.
The ODPP said the case demonstrated Kenya’s commitment to international cooperation in criminal justice and ensuring that people wanted by foreign jurisdictions are brought before the relevant authorities in accordance with the law.
Kibutu’s transfer to the United States brings to an end his 13-year absence following his conviction.
He is now expected to appear before the relevant California court for sentencing over the fatal crash.