Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-20 10:37:03
The extradition process for Kelvin Kangethe, a fugitive wanted in the United States for the murder of a woman, has been initiated by prosecutors handling his case. The victim’s body was found hidden in a car at Logan Airport, and Kangethe was arrested five days ago and presented before a Nairobi court on Monday. Murder charges were leveled against him and the magistrate postponed the hearing to February 27, directing that Kangethe should be held in police custody before his arraignment.
The prosecution is hopeful that the court will grant them permission to extradite the 40-year-old suspect, who is accused of shooting his girlfriend in November last year before fleeing to Kenya. The family of the slain Margaret Mbitu flew to Kenya to attend the court proceedings in the hope of securing justice for their daughter.
Both Kenya and the US share an extradition treaty which dates back to 1931, allowing individuals arrested in either country to be surrendered for prosecution or punishment for crimes committed. If found guilty of the murder of Margaret Mbitu, Kangethe risks being jailed for a lifetime without the option of parole according to the State of Massachusetts law. The law stipulates that second-degree murder carries a life sentence with the option of parole, while voluntary manslaughter attracts a jail term of 20 years.
Kangethe was arrested on Valentine’s Eve following an operation by a contingent of 11 police officers in the Ngong area on the outskirts of Nairobi City. Senior officers at the station received a tip-off from the public about the suspect’s whereabouts, tracked him down, and laid a trap that led to his arrest. Kangethe had escaped from the Muthaiga Police Station a week earlier, triggering an intense manhunt.
The extradition process is a significant step towards holding Kangethe accountable for the alleged murder in the United States. The involvement of both the Kenyan and US legal systems is a testament to the commitment to justice and upholding the law. The extradition treaty between the two countries allows for cooperation in law enforcement and ensures that individuals wanted for serious crimes can be brought to justice regardless of their location.
The extradition proceedings are likely to have a long and complex legal process, as both countries navigate through their respective legal systems. However, the pursuit of justice for the victim and her family remains a top priority for both the Kenyan and US authorities. The extradition of Kelvin Kangethe would not only serve as a demonstration of the commitment to justice but also as a deterrent to others who may seek to evade accountability for serious crimes.
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