The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured the continued detention of Kenyan national Sancho Kibutu, who is wanted in the United States to face sentencing following his conviction over a fatal drunk-driving offence.
A Nairobi court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, declined Kibutu’s application for bond or cash bail, allowing him to remain in custody as the DPP pursues extradition proceedings to facilitate his return to the US.
Kibutu had asked the court to release him on bond or cash bail, saying he was willing to comply with any conditions imposed. He also sought additional time to respond to the DPP’s extradition application after receiving the relevant files and supporting documents.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Kibutu posed a substantial flight risk due to the pending extradition request, the seriousness of the offence and his previous conduct of absconding from proceedings in the US.
The prosecution team was led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, assisted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara and Prosecution Counsels Fatma Shaban and Abdalla Lyaga.
In its ruling, the court found compelling reasons to justify Kibutu’s continued detention at Gigiri Police Station pending determination of the extradition proceedings.
The extradition case is scheduled for hearing on September 25, 2026.
