Five suspects accused of murdering clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso have pleaded not guilty, as their defense team changed midway through the proceedings.
The five accused, Rose Mbithe Mulwa, also known as Rose Mbithe Ndetet, Chris Mulwa, Angela Mulwa, police officer Elijah Kibelion and Kimutai Maritim denied the murder charge before High Court Judge Alexander Muteti at Milimani Law Courts.
Lawyers Danstan Omari, Cliff Ombeta and their team were allowed to withdraw from the case after three of the accused persons brought new lawyers on board.
The accused reportedly told the court that their previous lawyers had not visited them while they were in remand and that they had new information they wanted presented to the court. Justice Muteti allowed Omari and his team to withdraw.
Speaking outside court, lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Sam Nyaberi said they were no longer on the same page with the accused after the change in legal representation.
The lawyers also questioned an affidavit filed by the new defence team, arguing that it raises allegations against several authorities while the immediate issue before the court was bail and bond.
The previous defence team further challenged an anticipatory bail application, arguing that it could not proceed at this stage because the accused are already in custody.
The new defence team has, however, alleged that the accused were tortured while in remand. The lawyers have also alleged that one of the accused was tortured and forced to implicate Chris Mulwa as the person who allegedly shot Dr. Mutiso.
The allegations have not yet been tested before the court. The prosecution had sought 14 days to respond to the defence affidavit, but Justice Muteti directed the State to file and serve its response within three days.
The prosecution alleges that Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso was murdered on July 29, 2026, at about 9.30 a.m. along Mawensi Road in Kilimani, Nairobi County.
The accused face a murder charge under Sections 203 as read with 204 of the Penal Code.
The matter will be back in court on October 6, 2026, when the High Court is expected to consider the pending defence applications, including bail and bond.
The proceedings will be conducted physically.
