In a move meant to deter another daring escape by murder suspect Kevin Kang’ethe, the prosecution has requested the court to transfer him to Industrial Area Remand Prison due to concerns about his potential to escape custody again.
Kang’ethe, who is wanted in the US for the murder of a woman, was arrested on Tuesday night in Ngong after previously escaping police custody at Muthaiga station on February 7, 2024.
During the hearing before Magistrate Lucas Onyina at Milimani Law Court, prosecutor Vincent Monda informed the court that if the request is granted, Kang’ethe will only be permitted access to the lawyers representing him and no other person.
Additionally, it was proposed that when his lawyers visit, they must be accompanied by an investigator involved in the case.
“We are prepared and eager to expedite this case as quickly as possible,” stated the ODPP.
Furthermore, the court was informed that if Kang’ethe requires medical attention, it should be provided in consultation with government doctors attached to Industrial Area Prison.
However, Kang’ethe’s legal team objected to the application, arguing that no charges have been formally brought against him, and the current proceedings concern extradition.
“If any issues arise, it is the responsibility of the state to rectify them. If he cannot be detained at Muthaiga police station, there are numerous other stations in the country,” submitted Kang’ethe’s lawyer.
Kang’ethe was initially arrested in the Parklands area on January 29, following a request from the US.
The fugitive is accused of murdering Margaret Mbitu in Massachusetts on October 31, 2023, by inflicting multiple stab wounds to her face and neck before leaving her body in a locked vehicle in a parking garage at Boston Logan International Airport.
He fled to Kenya and evaded capture for two weeks before being apprehended at a club in Westlands, Nairobi.
Kang’ethe was subsequently held at Muthaiga Police Station before escaping in a bold and daring manner, reportedly under the observation of four police officers. At the time of his escape, he had been visited by an individual claiming to be his lawyer.
The lawyer was later detained to assist investigations regarding the escape, with the four police officers interdicted.
