NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives have arrested two persons of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of renowned clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, marking the first major breakthrough in investigations into the high-profile murder.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the two suspects are in custody and are being interrogated as homicide detectives intensify investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The DCI also confirmed that detectives searched premises linked to the two individuals and recovered exhibits that have been subjected to forensic analysis as investigators seek to establish their possible involvement in the crime.
According to the agency, homicide detectives, supported by specialised investigative and forensic teams, have been pursuing multiple leads through witness interviews, forensic examinations and targeted operations since taking over the investigation.
The identities of the two persons of interest have not been disclosed, with the DCI saying the information is being withheld to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
The arrests come a day after Dr Mutiso was shot dead in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area in what investigators believe was a targeted attack.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the psychologist had requested an online taxi service before she was allegedly lured into an ambush near Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Witnesses told investigators that gunmen riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the taxi she was travelling in after another vehicle reportedly intercepted it, leaving her with fatal gunshot wounds.
She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.
Following the shooting, police officers and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives secured the scene, collected forensic evidence and interviewed witnesses as part of efforts to establish the motive behind the attack.
The DCI further disclosed that Dr Mutiso had previously recorded a statement with police indicating that her life was in danger. Investigations into that earlier report were still ongoing at the time of her death.
Dr Mutiso was a respected clinical psychologist, mental health researcher and Head of Research at the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (AMHRTF), where she led research focused on child and adolescent mental health.
The DCI said investigations remain active, with detectives continuing to analyse recovered exhibits, pursue additional leads and work towards identifying all those responsible for the killing.
