NAIROBI, Kenya — A Nairobi court has granted detectives four more days to detain two suspects in the murder investigation of Dr Victoria Mutiso, allowing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) additional time to complete forensic, financial and witness inquiries.
The DCI had sought seven more days to hold Daniel Mwangi and Kevin Kinuthia, but the court granted investigators four days to conclude outstanding aspects of the probe.
Homicide investigator Romana Odour told the court that the two suspects were arrested on August 7, 2026, and appeared in court three days later, when detectives obtained an initial 30-day detention order.
Odour said the investigation remains incomplete after the suspects allegedly provided fresh information during interrogation, opening new lines of inquiry.
“The probe has not been concluded because the two suspects have provided new information that requires further investigation,” Odour said in an affidavit supporting the application.
DCI awaits forensic and financial reports
Detectives are awaiting cybercrime and forensic reports from the National Forensic Laboratory as they analyse information recovered from mobile phones seized from the suspects.
The DCI is also awaiting a financial report from the Financial Reporting Centre as investigators follow the financial trail surrounding the alleged murder.
According to the State, questioning the two suspects also led detectives to additional witnesses, some of whom are outside Nairobi and are yet to record their statements.
Investigators told the court that the probe has consequently expanded, with some alleged accomplices still at large while others are already in custody.
The State argued that releasing Mwangi and Kinuthia before the investigation is completed could interfere with the probe and increase the risk of the suspects absconding.
DCI cites safety concerns
Detectives also raised concerns about the safety of the two suspects, citing heightened public interest and anger over Dr Mutiso’s killing.
“The identities of the suspects are now known to members of the public and the deceased’s family,” Odour said.
The investigator warned that releasing the suspects could expose them to retaliation or mob justice.
The DCI argued that continued detention was necessary to enable detectives to pursue other suspects, record statements from newly identified witnesses, analyse forensic material and follow up financial and other investigative leads.
The State relied on Article 49(1)(f) and (g) of the Constitution and Section 36A of the Criminal Procedure Code, asking the court to find compelling reasons for the continued detention.
Other suspects face proceedings
The murder investigation has already resulted in separate proceedings against several suspects.
Elijah Kibelion Kimoi has been formally charged with murder and is scheduled to take a plea on September 23.
Dr Mutiso was shot dead on the morning of July 29, 2026, in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area.
Among those accused of allegedly orchestrating the killing are Rose Mbithe Mulwa and her two children, Chris Mulwa and Angella Mulwa. Prosecutors allege that the murder was linked to a longstanding family property dispute.
Police Constable Elijah Kimoi and Collins Bett Kiplangat, together with civilian accomplices, have also been accused of planning the killing.
The allegations against the suspects remain subject to the ongoing court proceedings.
