The High Court has allowed the detention of three suspects for 30 days as investigators continue probing the murder of former African Institute of Mental and Brain Health Director, Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
Police officer Elijah Kibelion Kimoi and his co-accused, Daniel Njoroge and Kevin Kinuthia, were arraigned on Monday after their arrest on August 7, 2026.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) told the court that the suspects allegedly played different roles in the killing, with investigators saying more accomplices remain at large.
In his ruling, Magistrate Paul Mutai said releasing the suspects at this stage could compromise the investigations.
“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,” he ruled.
According to an affidavit filed by DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau officer Corporal Romana Odour, preliminary investigations have established the alleged roles of each suspect.
“Preliminary investigations have established that the 1st respondent, Kimoi, is the one who fired the fatal shot,” Odour stated.
Investigators allege that Njoroge was driving a black Toyota Prado, registration number KDH 600A, which was used to block the Toyota Passo, registration number KDJ 609D, in which Dr Mutiso was travelling.
Kinuthia is accused of using a motorcycle, registration number KMGZ 980D, to transport Kimoi to and from the scene.
Dr Mutiso was fatally shot on July 29, 2026, in Upper Hill, Kilimani Sub-County, Nairobi, while inside the vehicle.
The incident was reported at Kibra Police Station before the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau took over the case.
Investigators recovered two spent cartridges and two bullet fragments from the scene, which were submitted for forensic examination.
A Mini Jericho pistol, serial number 47302127, was later recovered and examined.
The DCI says preliminary ballistic findings have linked the recovered ammunition to the firearm.
“The preliminary ballistic opinion links the recovered cartridge cases and bullet head to that firearm,” the DCI stated.
Investigators told the court that the firearm had been issued to a senior police officer who remains at large.
The DCI is also investigating a land dispute involving Dr Mutiso as a possible motive for the killing.
According to investigators, the deceased was involved in a dispute over L.R. Number 1504/13, a matter pending before the Machakos court.
Police further told the court that Dr Mutiso had previously reported an attempted attack and said she had been followed before her death.
On July 7, 2026, she allegedly reported being confronted by two armed men on a motorcycle near Junction Mall along Ngong Road.
The men reportedly pointed a firearm at her, but she escaped and later reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station.
Investigators allege that Kimoi was one of the men involved in the earlier incident.
The DCI has also identified Dr Mutiso's husband as a key witness, saying his evidence could help investigators establish previous threats against the deceased and identify other suspects.
However, investigators say he is yet to record a comprehensive statement due to the trauma surrounding his wife's death.
The State argues that releasing the suspects could expose the husband and other witnesses to interference or intimidation.