Kevin Kang’ethe has been denied bail by a court in the United States of America after pleading not guilty to a murder charge.
Kang’ethe is accused of murdering his girlfriend Margaret Mbitu in the USA and then disposing of her body. He would then flee the country to Kenya.
However, the 40-year-old was extradited to the USA from Nairobi on September 1 after a successful process by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga.
He was arraigned before the Suffolk Superior Court in Pemberton Square, Boston, on Wednesday, September 3, where he denied murdering Mbitu.
After taking the plea, the court ruled he would be held without bail, without prejudice. The prosecution is led by ADA Mark Lee.
During the Wednesday session, the court heard that the suspect and deceased were in a romantic relationship that had been marred by reports of domestic violence.
The case was set for a pre-trial date before the homicide section on November 5 at 2pm.
Kang’ethe reportedly attacked Mbitu with a knife before abandoning the car at the Logan Airport garage in Massachusetts.
After his arraignment, Mbitu’s family expressed their relief and gratitude to the authorities.
Mary Kinyariro, a cousin, remarked that while the pursuit of justice had been long, they remained committed to fighting for it.
"We were worried days and nights that today would not come and I haven't slept well until today. Because of the hard work of the law enforcement and everyone here that my sister is finally getting justice. It has been a long journey coming. Today gives us hope and represents a step forward toward justice. We will continue to fight until this coward is locked up and never sees light again or gets to harm any other family and take their loved one away from them," she said.
