Three suspects, including a serving police officer, have been detained for 30 days as detectives intensify investigations into the killing of former African Institute of Mental and Brain Health Director, Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
Police Constable Bett Kiplangat, Pius Muiru and Samuel Karanja appeared before the Milimani Law Court on September 2, 2026, where investigating officer Romana Oduor sought more time to complete investigations and submit the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Investigators allege that Kiplangat and Muiru were involved in planning the killing and maintained communication with senior police officer Kenneth Sang, whose firearm is suspected to have been used in the offence.
Karanja is accused of driving a black Toyota Prado that allegedly followed Dr Mutiso before another Prado blocked the Uber vehicle she was travelling in. She was then fatally shot.
The three suspects were arrested on August 29 in Kampala, Uganda, following an intelligence-led operation.
They were deported to Kenya after appearing before a Ugandan court on August 31 and were brought to Nairobi on September 1.
Investigators are also pursuing a possible land dispute as a motive for the killing.
Before her death, Dr Mutiso had reported that she was being followed and had survived an attempted attack on July 7 near Junction Mall along Ngong Road, where two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly pointed a gun at her.
The investigating officer told the court that releasing the suspects could expose witnesses, including members of Dr Mutiso’s family and people linked to the land dispute. Police also fear possible collusion with other suspects who remain at large.
The 30-day detention will allow detectives to complete investigations and determine the suspects’ alleged links to the murder before the file is submitted to the DPP for a decision on whether charges should be preferred and consolidated with those of other suspects.
