Kenyan fugitive Sancho Kibutu has been extradited to the United States, 13 years after he failed to appear for sentencing following his conviction over a fatal drunk-driving crash in California.

According to a statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kibutu was formally handed over to United States authorities in Nairobi before being flown to California to face sentencing.

The extradition followed a request by the United States Department of Justice through the US Embassy in Nairobi.

It was facilitated by the DPP, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other agencies through the Kenyan courts.

“The extradition process, facilitated by the DPP and other agencies through the Kenyan courts, lasted four weeks,” the ODPP said.

Kibutu, also known as Sancho Kibuto or Njoroge Kibuto, had remained a fugitive for 13 years after failing to appear for sentencing following his conviction in the United States on September 19, 2013.

A bench warrant was subsequently issued against him on October 28, 2013.

The ODPP said Kibutu was arrested in Nairobi on September 9, 2026, pursuant to extradition proceedings initiated between Kenya and the United States.

He had been convicted by the Superior Court of California, County of Madera, of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, contrary to Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code.

"Court records indicate that Kibutu, then aged 32, was driving along Golden State Boulevard when he crossed a double yellow line and collided with another vehicle," the office said.

The crash resulted in the death of a 16-year-old passenger, while the driver and two other occupants of the vehicle were injured.

Despite the conviction, Kibutu failed to return to court for sentencing and remained outside the jurisdiction until his arrest in Kenya more than a decade later.

The ODPP said his extradition demonstrated the role of Kenyan authorities in facilitating cooperation with foreign jurisdictions in criminal matters.

“The extradition underscores the DPP's commitment to facilitating international cooperation in criminal justice,” the statement said.

The prosecution agency added that such cooperation was aimed at ensuring that individuals wanted to answer for offences in other jurisdictions are brought before the relevant authorities in accordance with the law.

His extradition brings to an end his 13-year absence from the United States following his conviction.

Following his handover to US authorities, Kibutu is expected to be presented before the relevant court to face sentencing.

The extradition was carried out after Kenyan authorities received and processed the US request in accordance with the applicable legal procedures.