The family of a US nurse found dead at an airport late 2023 has spoken after the main suspect in her murder case, who is also allegedly her boyfriend was arrested by Kenyan police.
Harun Mbitu, father of the late nurse Margaret Mbitu, expressed profound gratitude to both the Kenya Police and their US counterparts for successfully apprehending the main suspect in his daughter’s tragic murder.
In an interview with WCVB, a New York-based TV station, Harun shared his appreciation, emphasizing the painstaking three-month search that led to the suspect’s location at a club in Westlands, Nairobi.
“I’m very thankful to the American government and the Kenyan government for bringing justice for Maggie and bringing that guy to justice,” said Harun Mbitu.
While echoing Harun’s sentiments, Maggie’ s cousin James Ndung’u noted that the arrest made is the first step towards justice.
“The mood is very up right now. It’s a huge step towards getting justice for Maggie. That is the next step.
“Thank you for law enforcement both here and back home for getting us closer to that goal,” he said.
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Collaboration Between Kenyan and US Law Enforcement
Kevin Hayden, Suffolk County District Attorney, hailed the collaboration between Kenya and the United States as groundbreaking.
He further emphasized that the arrest of murder suspect Kangethe not only signifies the effectiveness of international cooperation but also provides some relief to the grieving family.
“I’m extremely grateful to the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI, Kenyan law enforcement agencies, the Kenyan government and the Massachusetts State Police for bringing the person accused of Margaret Mbitu’s brutal murder into custody,” said Hayden.
The Arrest of Kevin Kangethe
The murder suspect, Kevin Kangethe, was apprehended on Monday, January 29, as he enjoyed his leisure time at a Nairobi club, thanks to a tip-off from vigilant members of the public.
Kenyan police officers swiftly acted on the information, leading to the successful arrest of the suspect.
He is currently detained at Gigiri Police Station as investigations into the murder continue.
Nurse Margaret’s Tragic Death
The unsettling case began on Monday, October 30, 2023, when Margaret Mbitu missed work and went off the grid, prompting concern from her family.
Also read: Family of Kenyan Woman Found Dead in US Airport Speaks
Two days later, the discovery of Maggie’s mutilated body was made by Boston police in an airport parking garage.
According to investigators and a criminal complaint, 40-year-old Kangethe of Lowell, identified as Maggie’s boyfriend, was accused of her murder.
As the legal process further unfolds, the family is closely watching, seeking closure and justice for their beloved daughter.