Court Grants Detectives More Time to Investigate
A Nairobi magistrate’s court has ordered that Rose Mbithe Mulwa and her son, Chris Mulwa, be held in separate police custody for 21 days as detectives continue investigating the murder of renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, the court found that investigators had presented sufficient grounds to justify the extended detention. The magistrate cited concerns over possible witness interference after prosecutors informed the court that complaints of threats had been made before Dr. Mutiso’s fatal shooting.
Under the court’s orders, Rose Mbithe Mulwa will remain in custody at Kileleshwa Police Station, while Chris Mulwa will be detained at Kilimani Police Station pending further investigations.
Investigation Centers on Earlier Threats
According to an affidavit filed by Corporal Romana Odour of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Dr. Mutiso had previously reported a threatening incident on July 7, 2026.
Police say the psychologist told investigators that two armed men riding a motorcycle confronted and threatened her near Junction Mall along Ngong Road. During her report, she allegedly identified the motorcycle’s passenger as Chris Mulwa.
Weeks later, Dr. Mutiso was fatally shot while traveling in a taxi through Nairobi’s Upper Hill area. Investigators believe the attackers followed her vehicle using a motorcycle before carrying out the deadly attack.
Family and Property Disputes Under Scrutiny
Detectives are also examining whether the killing could be connected to longstanding family disagreements over property.
Court documents identify Rose Mbithe Mulwa as the former wife of Prof. David Musyimi Ndetei, Dr. Mutiso’s husband. The couple divorced in 2001, and investigators are now exploring whether unresolved disputes involving family assets may have played a role in the events leading to the homicide.
Authorities have not announced any conclusions regarding a motive, emphasizing that investigations remain ongoing.
Defense Challenges Detention Request
Lawyers representing the two suspects opposed the prosecution’s application for extended detention.
The defense questioned why investigators waited several weeks to arrest the respondents if the victim had identified one of them shortly after the alleged July 7 threats.
However, the magistrate ruled that the prosecution had established compelling reasons for continued detention, noting that investigators require additional time to
- Complete forensic examinations of seized evidence.
- Record additional witness statements.
- Safeguard witnesses from potential interference.
- Finalize other investigative procedures.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 7, 2026: Dr. Mutiso reports being threatened by two armed men on a motorcycle near Junction Mall.
- July 2026: Dr. Mutiso is shot dead while travelling in a taxi in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
- July 29, 2026: Detectives arrest Rose Mbithe Mulwa and Chris Mulwa during an intelligence-led operation in Karen.
- August 3, 2026: A Nairobi court orders both suspects detained separately for 21 days.
Key Takeaways
- A Nairobi court has granted detectives 21 days to continue investigating the murder of Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
- The two suspects will remain in separate police stations during the investigation.
- Investigators say the victim had reported threats weeks before her death and allegedly identified one of the suspects.
- Detectives are examining possible links between the homicide and longstanding family property disputes.
- No murder charges have yet been filed, and investigations remain ongoing.
What Happens Next?
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is expected to complete forensic analysis, review digital and physical evidence, and record additional witness statements before the suspects return to court later this month.
At that stage, prosecutors are expected to inform the court whether sufficient evidence exists to formally charge the suspects or seek further investigative directions.
