DCI gets 30 days to hold three suspects over Dr Victoria Mutiso murder

Detectives have been given 30 more days to unravel the mystery surrounding the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, after a Nairobi court allowed three suspects to remain in custody as investigations continue.

Milimani Magistrate Paul Mutai on Monday granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) more time to hold Elijah Kibelion Kimoi, Daniel Mwangi Njoroge and Kevin Ngugi Kinuthia.

The three are being investigated over the July 29 murder of Dr Mutiso, who was shot dead while travelling in an Uber Toyota Passo in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Kimoi will be held at Ruaraka Police Station, Njoroge at Pangani Police Station and Kinuthia at Gigiri Police Station.

The case will return to court on September 10, when investigators are expected to give an update on the progress of the probe.

Suspected gunman

According to an affidavit filed by Corporal Romana Odour of the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau, preliminary investigations point to Kimoi as the person suspected of firing the fatal shot.

Njoroge is alleged to have been driving a black Toyota Prado, registration number KDH 600A, which investigators say was used to block the Toyota Passo carrying Dr Mutiso.

Kinuthia, meanwhile, is alleged to have used a motorcycle, registration number KMGZ 980D, to drop Kimoi at the scene and later help him leave the area.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

Investigators say they have recovered a Mini Jericho pistol, serial number 47302127, two spent cartridges and a bullet head.

Preliminary ballistic examinations allegedly linked the recovered ammunition to the firearm believed to have been used in the killing.

CCTV and phone records

The DCI told the court that detectives have also obtained CCTV footage and call-data records which could help reconstruct the events leading to the shooting.

Several vehicles and the motorcycle believed to be connected to the incident have been detained for further forensic examination.

They include KDJ 609D, the vehicle Dr Mutiso was travelling in, KDH 600A and KDE 400W, alongside motorcycle KMGZ 980D.

But detectives say the investigation is far from over.

The DCI told the court that other people believed to have played a role in the killing are still being pursued, with some already in custody and others remaining at large.

Threats before the killing

Investigators are also examining whether Dr Mutiso had been followed before she was shot and whether threats she had previously reported were connected to her death.

Detectives want to establish the full chain of events—from the alleged planning of the attack to the shooting and the subsequent escape.

They are seeking more time to recover other firearms allegedly linked to the incident, conduct additional ballistic examinations, analyse CCTV footage and call-data records, examine the detained vehicles and motorcycle and record statements from witnesses.

Why the suspects will remain in custody

The prosecution argued that releasing the suspects at this stage could compromise the investigation.

Investigators expressed concerns that they could interfere with witnesses, collude with other suspects, flee or facilitate the concealment or destruction of evidence.

The prosecution also argued that the suspects' continued detention was necessary for their own protection, citing fears of retaliation, mob justice and other threats after their identities became known.

The ODPP referred the court to an earlier order issued in a related case involving Rose Mbithe Mulwa alias Rose Mbithe Ndetei and Chris Mulwa, who are also linked to the wider investigation.

For now, the three suspects will remain in custody as detectives attempt to answer the biggest questions surrounding Dr Mutiso's killing: Who ordered the attack, why was she targeted, and who else was involved?

The investigation continues, with the next major update expected when the case comes up for mention on September 10.

About the Author

Rhoda Bogeta is a Kenyan journalist and multimedia storyteller covering current affairs, human-interest, science and environmental stories, with expertise in reporting, photography, videography and digital content creation. Email: rhodabogeta@gmail.com Instagram : i_am_bogetar X : @I_am_Bogetar LinkedIn: Rhoda Bogeta Tiktok : monique.mora_