Three suspects linked to the investigation into the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso will remain in custody for 30 days as detectives work to conclude the murder inquiry.
The suspects are police officer PC Collins Bett Kiplangat, Pius Muiru Mbugua alias Headboy and Samuel Karanja Gathoni alias Wakili.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had moved to the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court seeking additional time to hold the trio as investigators pursue outstanding leads in the case.
The suspects were arrested on August 29 during an intelligence-led operation at Kyanja Heights Flats in Nakawa, Kampala, Uganda. They were presented before a Ugandan Chief Magistrate on August 31 before being deported to Kenya.
Upon their return, the suspects were escorted from Malaba Police Station to Nairobi on September 1 and held at Kilimani and Kileleshwa police stations pending their production before the Kenyan court.
According to the DCI, investigations indicate that each of the three suspects allegedly had a role in the events surrounding Dr Mutiso’s killing.
Detectives allege that Kiplangat and Mbugua were involved in planning the murder and remained in communication with senior police officer Kenneth Sang, whose firearm investigators claim was used in the shooting.
Gathoni is accused of driving a black Toyota Prado, registration KDE 400W, which investigators say followed Dr Mutiso before the vehicle she was travelling in was intercepted.
The DCI alleges that another Toyota Prado, registration KDH 600A, blocked the Uber vehicle carrying Dr Mutiso before she was shot dead.
Investigators further told the court that the suspects had allegedly been tracking Dr Mutiso’s movements both before and on the day of the incident.
The prosecution opposed their release, arguing that the suspects presented a flight risk after allegedly travelling to Uganda following the murder.
The State further maintained that continued detention was necessary to safeguard witnesses, prevent interference with evidence and restrict communication with other suspects who are yet to be arrested.
Detectives said the investigation is still ongoing, with several leads requiring further action, including establishing the alleged links between the three suspects and other individuals believed to have been involved in the murder.
The court granted the DCI 30 days to finalise the outstanding investigations. The completed inquiry will then be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration and an independent decision on the way forward, including whether charges should be brought against the suspects.
The authorities will also consider whether the cases involving the three suspects should be handled together with those of other suspects in the murder investigation.
The matter was scheduled for mention on September 1, 2026, for further directions.
