The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced fresh progress in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, confirming that two persons of interest are in custody as detectives intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the DCI, homicide detectives, assisted by specialised forensic and investigative teams, have been pursuing multiple leads since taking over the case. Investigators have interviewed witnesses, analysed forensic evidence and conducted targeted operations aimed at piecing together what transpired.
As part of the ongoing probe, detectives searched premises associated with individuals believed to be linked to the incident. During the operations, they recovered several exhibits considered important to the investigation, which are now undergoing forensic examination.
The agency further disclosed that two persons of interest are being held lawfully and are currently undergoing interrogation. However, their identities have not been released to the public to avoid jeopardising the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
The latest developments come just a day after Dr. Mutiso was fatally shot in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area in what investigators suspect was a carefully planned attack.
Preliminary findings indicate that the clinical psychologist had requested a ride through an online taxi service before she was allegedly lured into an ambush near Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Investigators have been told that armed assailants riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the taxi after another vehicle reportedly blocked its path. Dr. Mutiso sustained serious gunshot injuries during the attack.
She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police officers, together with Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives, cordoned off the area, documented the scene, collected forensic evidence and interviewed witnesses as they began reconstructing the events leading to the killing.
The DCI has also revealed that before her death, Dr. Mutiso had reported to police that she feared for her safety and recorded a statement indicating that her life was under threat. Investigators were still looking into that complaint when she was killed.
Dr. Mutiso was widely respected in the mental health sector. She served as Head of Research at the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (AMHRTF), where she spearheaded research projects focusing on child and adolescent mental health, earning recognition for her contribution to psychological research and mental health advocacy.
The DCI reiterated that investigations remain active, with detectives continuing to analyse the recovered exhibits, pursue additional leads and establish the motive behind the killing.
