Kenya Extradites Fugitive Wanted in US Over Fatal Drink-Driving Conviction

Kenyan prosecutors have confirmed the extradition of a fugitive who fled the United States nearly 13 years ago after being convicted in a fatal drink-driving case.

The Kenyan national was arrested in Runda, Nairobi, on 9 September 2026 following a joint extradition request by the United States and Kenya. His arrest brings to an end a pursuit that began in October 2013, when he absconded from the US days before a scheduled sentencing hearing in California. 

He had been convicted earlier that year of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated under Section 191.5(a) of the California Penal Code, along with three special allegations. The accused appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena at the Milimani Law Courts, where he formally surrendered to the extradition request and indicated that he was willing to comply with the court’s orders. 

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said arrangements were under way to return him to California, where he is expected to be sentenced. The conviction arose from a head-on collision on Golden State Boulevard in August 2011. The man, who was 32 at the time, was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

A 16-year-old passenger was killed in the crash, while the driver and two other occupants sustained serious injuries. A California jury found the man guilty in April 2013. He fled the United States in October that year, travelling through Dubai before settling in Kenya.

Kenya’s extradition arrangements with the United States are based on a 1931 treaty originally signed with Great Britain. The treaty remains in force between Kenya and the US and provides for the reciprocal surrender of people accused or convicted of serious offences.

The treaty also contains safeguards, including the principle of double criminality, under which the conduct forming the basis of an extradition request must constitute an offence in both jurisdictions. The DPP said the extradition demonstrated Kenya’s commitment to international cooperation in criminal justice. The office said the man was expected to be surrendered to the United States to face sentencing following his conviction.