Murder suspet Kevin Kangethe, who escaped police custody in Kenya last week while waiting to learn if he would be extradited to the United States to stand trial for the murder of his girlfriend, has been recaptured and brought back to jail.
Family members told Citizen Digital that Kangethe was returned to jail under tight security late Tuesday night in Nairobi.
Kangethe is charged in Boston with the murder of Margaret Mbitu on October 31, 2023, as CrimeOnline reported. Mbitu was last seen leaving her job as a health care aide in Halifax, Massachusetts, on October 30. She reportedly traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, where he lived. She was found in Kangethe’s car at Boston Logan International Airport’s central parking garage on November 1. She had lacerations to her face, neck, and side.
The suspect was arrested at a Nairobi nightclub on January 30.
He escaped custody on February 7 after a man identifying himself as his lawyer came to the police station and asked to see him. Officers put the two in a room together, according to Citizen Digital.
“After a short while the prisoner escaped by running away and left the lawyer behind,” a report on the incident says.
Station Commander Chief Inspector Esther Muchomba was chairing a meeting at the time and said she heard “a loud noise” as officers raced out of the building chasing Kangethe. They were unable to catch him.
Four officers who were on duty at the time were detained for questioning about the incident, as we the allegedly lawyer.
Details about Kangethe’s rearrest were not immediately released.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: Margaret Mbitu/handout]
