9 Kenyans detained abroad, where, why, & how long they are serving

Baktash and Ibrahim Akasha were sentenced for international drug trafficking, Baktash received 25 years, Ibrahim received 23 years in the U.S
Kevin Kang'ethe accused of murdering girlfriend, fled to Kenya, and deported back to the U.S
Leonard Mwithiga faces charges including conspiracy to commit murder, arrested in the U.S. after police operation

Over the years, numerous Kenyans abroad have found themselves in legal trouble in different jurisdictions. Here’s a summary of some prominent cases:

1. Quincy Timberlake - Australia

Quincy Zuma Wambitta Timberlake was convicted of manslaughter for the death of his son, Sinclair, whom he allegedly punched and pushed against a wall.

He is serving an 11-year sentence in Australia but will be eligible for parole after nine years due to mental health conditions including psychosis and schizophrenia.

Quincy Timberlake and Esther Arunga Quincy Timberlake and Esther Arunga Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Gov't gives its position on man facing execution in Saudi Arabia

2. The Akasha brothers - USA

Baktash and Ibrahim Akasha were sentenced for international drug trafficking. Baktash received a 25-year prison term, while Ibrahim was sentenced to 23 years.

They were convicted in the U.S. after a sting operation by the DEA in Mombasa, Kenya.

File image of the Akasha brothers in court Pulse Live Kenya

3. Kevin Kang'ethe - USA

Kevin Kang'ethe is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, and fleeing to Kenya.

He was deported back to the U.S. to face murder charges after being arrested in Nairobi. He had initially escaped from police custody but was later re-arrested.

Kevin Kang’ethe in court Kevin Kang’ethe Pulse Live Kenya

4. Leonard Mwithiga - USA

Leonard Mwithiga faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, after allegedly seeking a hitman to kill his wife.

He was arrested in the U.S. after an undercover police operation exposed his plot.

Leonard Thuo Mwithiga Leonard Thuo Mwithiga Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Kenyan businessman in U.S. to pay employees Sh68M for violations

5. Bertrand Munyakho - Saudi Arabia

Bertrand Munyako is set to face capital punishment in Saudi Arabia after being convicted of the murder of his colleague Abdul Halim Saleh.

Initially sentenced to five years for manslaughter, his charges were upgraded to murder following an appeal by the victim's family.

Bertrand Munyakho Pulse Live Kenya

His execution has been delayed as his family seeks to raise Sh150 million in 'blood money' to secure his release.

6. Mohamed Abduba Dida - USA

Former Kenyan presidential candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida is incarcerated at Big Muddy River Correctional Center in Illinois.

He is serving a seven-year sentence for aggravated stalking and violating a restraining order. Dida is eligible for parole in April 2025 and has filed a civil rights lawsuit while in prison, claiming his religious rights have been violated.

Mohamed Abduba Dida Mohamed Abduba Dida Pulse Live Kenya

7. Paul Maucha - USA

Paul Maucha was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement in an advance fee fraud scheme. Along with his accomplice, Maucha defrauded victims by promising non-existent loans.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other charges and is serving his sentence in the U.S.