Wanted Kenyan National Extradited to the US Over Fatal Drunk-Driving Case

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has facilitated the extradition of Sancho Kibutu, a Kenyan national wanted in the United States. 

In a statement on Friday, October 23, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Kibutu is set to face sentencing in the US following his conviction for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

The Kenyan national was formally handed over to US authorities in Nairobi by officers attached to the ODPP and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

Kibutu’s extradition followed a request by the US Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi.

“Mr. Kibutu was formally handed over to US authorities in Nairobi by officers attached to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and flown to California following an extradition request made by the US Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi,” read the statement. 

According to the ODPP, the extradition process, which was handled through Kenyan courts, lasted four weeks. 

Before the extradition, Kibutu had been on the run for 13 years after failing to appear for sentencing following his conviction in the United States on September 19, 2013.

A bench warrant was subsequently issued on October 28, 2013. 

Kibutu was arrested in Nairobi on September 9, 2026, pursuant to the extradition proceedings between Kenya and the United States.

“He was convicted by the Superior Court of California, County of Madera, of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code,” ODPP stated. 

Kibutu, who was then aged 32, 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 and left the driver and two other occupants of the vehicle injured.

“Despite his conviction, Kibutu failed to appear for sentencing and remained at large until his arrest in Kenya,” ODPP added. 

This comes months after a Nairobi court approved an application by the ODPP seeking the extradition of three Kenyan nationals to the United States. 

In a statement on Thursday, August 6, the ODPP said the three, Francis Asanyo, Peter Omari and Elvis Obaigwa, are wanted in the US to face several serious cybercrime-related offences.

"Principal Magistrate Hon. Paul Mutai endorsed warrants of arrest against Francis Asanyo, Peter Omari and Elvis Obaigwa. The warrants were issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, on 15th of November 2023.

"The three are wanted to face charges related to conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting under U.S. law," the statement read.

The ODPP explained that the extradition process began after American authorities formally sought the surrender of the three suspects through Kenya's designated legal channels.