The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured the continued detention of Kenyan national Sancho Kibutu, who is wanted by the United States to face sentencing following his conviction over a fatal drunk-driving offence.
A Nairobi court on Wednesday declined Kibutu’s application for bond or cash bail, allowing him to remain in custody as the DPP advances 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 by the court. He also sought additional time to respond to the DPP’s extradition application after being supplied with the relevant extradition files and supporting documents.
The application was opposed by the prosecution team led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Duncan Ondimu, with the assistance of Principal Prosecution Counsel Njoki Kihara and Prosecution Counsels Fatma Shaban and Abdalla Lyaga.
In opposing bail, the prosecution argued that Kibutu posed a substantial flight risk, citing the pending extradition request, the seriousness of the offence and his previous conduct of absconding from proceedings in the United States.
In its ruling, the court found that the prosecution had demonstrated compelling reasons to justify Kibutu’s continued detention at Gigiri Police Station pending the hearing and determination of the extradition proceedings.
The extradition case is scheduled for hearing on September 25, 2026.
Kibutu will remain in custody until then, unless the court issues further directions.
