Three suspects linked to the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso presented at Milimani Law Courts on August 10, 2026.
Three police officers linked to the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso have been detained for 30 days as investigators continue probing the circumstances surrounding her death.
The High Court granted an application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seeking more time to hold police officers Elijah Kibelion Kimoi, Daniel Njoroge and Kevin Kinuthia, who were arraigned on Monday.
The DCI told the court that the three suspects allegedly played specific roles in the killing of Dr Mutiso, who was fatally shot on July 29, 2026, while travelling in a vehicle in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
In his ruling, Magistrate Paul Mutai said there were concerns over the safety of the suspects and the possibility of interference with investigations if they were released at this stage.
“I note that one of the suspects is a serving police officer and if the respondents are released on bond there’s a likelihood that they will interfere with investigations,” the magistrate ruled.
DCI Details Alleged Roles
In an affidavit filed in court, DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau officer Corporal Romana Odour said preliminary investigations had established the alleged roles of the three suspects.
According to the affidavit, Kimoi is alleged to have fired the fatal shot.
Njoroge is accused of driving a black Toyota Prado, registration KDH 600A, which investigators allege blocked the Toyota Passo, registration KDJ 609D, in which Dr Mutiso was travelling.
Kinuthia is alleged to have used a motorcycle, registration KMGZ 980D, to transport Kimoi to and from the scene.
The three suspects were arrested on August 7, 2026, during what the DCI described as an intelligence-led operation. They were subsequently held at Ruaraka, Pangani and Gigiri police stations respectively.
Ballistic Evidence
Dr Mutiso, a former Director of the African Institute of Mental and Brain Health, was shot on July 29 while inside motor vehicle KDJ 609D.
The incident was reported at Kibra Police Station under OB Number 35 of July 29, 2026, before the Homicide Investigations Bureau at DCI Headquarters took over the case.
Investigators told the court that two spent cartridges and two bullet fragments were recovered from the scene and submitted for forensic examination.
A Mini Jericho pistol bearing serial number 47302127 was later recovered and examined.
The DCI told the court that preliminary ballistic findings allegedly linked the recovered cartridge cases and bullet head to the firearm.
Investigators further stated that the firearm had been issued to a senior police officer who remains at large.
Land Dispute Being Investigated as Possible Motive
The DCI is also investigating a land dispute involving Dr Mutiso as a possible motive for the killing.
According to the court documents, Dr Mutiso was involved in a dispute over L.R. Number 1504/13, which is the subject of a case before a Machakos court.
Investigators said the dispute could have been one of the motives behind her killing.
The DCI also told the court that Dr Mutiso had previously reported being followed and an attempted attack before her death.
On July 7, 2026, she allegedly reported being confronted by two armed men riding a motorcycle near Junction Mall along Ngong Road.
According to the investigators, the men pointed a gun at her, but she managed to escape and later reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station.
The DCI alleges that Kimoi was among the armed men involved in that earlier incident.
Husband Identified as Key Witness
Investigators have identified Dr Mutiso’s husband as a crucial witness in the case.
However, the DCI said he has not yet recorded a comprehensive statement because of the traumatic circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.
According to the affidavit, his evidence will be important in investigating previous threats against Dr Mutiso and establishing the identities and roles of those allegedly involved.
The DCI further argued that releasing the suspects could expose the husband and other witnesses to interference or intimidation.
More Investigations Underway
Investigators said several key aspects of the case are yet to be completed.
These include recovering other firearms suspected to have been used in the killing, forensic analysis of CCTV footage and call-data records, examination of the vehicles and motorcycle allegedly connected to the suspects, recording statements from outstanding witnesses and establishing the individual roles of the suspects.
The State also told the court that some suspects remain at large and could potentially collude with those already arrested if released.
“Continued detention is therefore necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigations,” Corporal Odour stated.
The DCI maintains that critical investigations are still ongoing and that more suspects or accomplices could be identified as investigators pursue the case.
