On Tuesday, Suffolk Superior Court in Boston addressed the tragic murder of Margaret Mbitu, allegedly perpetrated by her boyfriend, Kevin Kinyanjui Kang’ethe. Kang’ethe appeared in court on September 3, 2024, following his extradition from Kenya, where he had fled to avoid arrest.
During the hearing, the prosecution outlined the grim details of the case. Authorities discovered Mbitu’s body on October 31, 2023, inside an SUV at Boston Logan International Airport while searching for her after she went missing.
According to the prosecution, Kang’ethe initially took a cab from his home in Lowell to Mbitu’s workplace. He met her as she left her office and drove her home in her vehicle, which was registered in his name. While driving, Kang’ethe allegedly attacked Mbitu, stabbing her ten times in the face and neck with a knife. After the attack, he reportedly answered phone calls from Mbitu’s family and coworkers, misleading them by claiming she was injured and unable to speak.
Detectives traced Kang’ethe’s movements after he disposed of Mbitu’s phone in a dumpster in Chelsea, using surveillance footage to track him down. About thirty hours later, authorities found Mbitu’s body in the front seat of her car, which had been reclined and covered with items to conceal her presence.
In court, Mbitu’s family voiced their desire for justice amid their profound grief. Her cousin, Mary Kinyariro, spoke on behalf of Mbitu’s sister, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the suspect faces justice. “We will not tire until justice is served,” Kinyariro declared, as reported by NBC Boston.
“This day brings us hope and marks a significant step toward justice,” Kinyariro added. “We will continue to fight until this individual is locked away and can no longer harm anyone else.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden called the court proceedings a hopeful beginning toward achieving justice. “She was deeply loved—a devoted caregiver, a cherished nurse, a beautiful soul, a wonderful daughter, and a loving sister,” Hayden said.
Kang’ethe has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and has been denied bail. The case is scheduled for further review on November 5.
