Kenyan fugitive Sancho Kibutu has been extradited to the United States, 13 years after failing to appear in court 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 formally handed over to US authorities in Nairobi before being flown to California to face sentencing.
The extradition followed a request by the United States Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi. It was facilitated by the ODPP, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other agencies through the Kenyan courts.
“The extradition process, facilitated by the DPP and other agencies through the Kenyan courts, lasted four weeks,” the ODPP said.
Sancho Kibutu Arrested in Nairobi After 13 Years
Kibutu, also known as Sancho Kibuto or Njoroge Kibuto, had remained a fugitive for 13 years after failing to return to court for sentencing following his conviction on September 19, 2013.
A bench warrant was subsequently issued against him on October 28, 2013.
The ODPP said Kibutu was arrested in Nairobi on September 9, 2026, following extradition proceedings initiated between Kenya and the United States.
His transfer to American authorities marks the latest development in a case that had remained unresolved at the sentencing stage for more than a decade.
California Court Convicted Kibutu Over Fatal Crash
Kibutu had been convicted by the Superior Court of California, County of Madera, of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, an offence under Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code.
According to the ODPP, court records show that Kibutu, who was 32 at the time, was driving along Golden State Boulevard when he crossed a double yellow line and collided with another vehicle.
“Court records indicate that Kibutu, then aged 32, was driving along Golden State Boulevard when he crossed a double yellow line and collided with another vehicle,” the office said.
The crash killed a 16-year-old passenger in the other vehicle, while the driver and two other occupants sustained injuries.
Despite his conviction, Kibutu failed to appear for sentencing and remained outside the jurisdiction of the US court until his arrest in Kenya more than a decade later.
ODPP Highlights Kenya-US Cooperation in Criminal Cases
The ODPP said the extradition demonstrated Kenya’s role in facilitating cooperation with foreign jurisdictions in criminal matters.
The process involved coordination between Kenyan authorities, US officials and the courts to secure Kibutu’s transfer.
He has now been returned to California to face the sentencing process that remained outstanding after his 2013 conviction.
