He was arraigned before the court on September 3, 2024, where he denied murdering Mbitu.
Kevin Kang’ethe, who previously pleaded not guilty to the murder of Kenyan nurse Margaret Mbitu at a United States (US)-based airport, has been denied bail or bond terms by the Suffolk Superior Court in Pemberton Square, Boston.
Kangethe was extradited to the USA from Nairobi on September 1, 2024, after a successful process by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Mulele Ingonga.
He was arraigned before the court on September 3, 2024, where he denied murdering Mbitu. The court then ruled he would be held without bail, without prejudice.
The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Mark Lee, presented evidence suggesting a troubled relationship between Kangethe and the deceased. Authorities also claimed reports of domestic violence between the two.
Collage of Kevin Kang’ethe, arrested over the murder of Magaret Mbitu. /MWAKILISHI.COM.CNN
The matter was set for a pre-trial date before the Homicide section on November 5, 2024, at 2 pm, where it will be reviewed by the Homicide section of the court.
This pre-trial will be crucial in determining the next steps in the judicial process and assessing the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence.
Meanwhile, Mbitu’s family spoke out for the first time in court, releasing different statements about the developments in the case.
“It has been a long journey coming. Today gives us hope and represents a step forward toward justice,” Mary Kinyariro, who is the late Mbitu’s cousin, said.
Joel Muhoro, another cousin, described the deceased as a kind young lady who had lofty ambitions in life. “Today, we remember her kindness, her generosity, her smile and her infectious laugh, which lit up every room she offered,” he said.
“We think about her dreams of being a business owner, of becoming a nurse practitioner to help care for others and we remember the hole left in our lives.”
Timeline Of Events
November 2023: Following the discovery of Mbitu’s body, an arrest warrant was issued for Kang’ethe, who had already left the U.S. for Kenya.
September 2, 2024: Kang’ethe was extradited to the U.S. and arrived in Massachusetts to face murder charges. He was arraigned the following day in Suffolk Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Murder suspect Kevin Kang’ethe (centre) during a court session on February 14, 2024. /FILE