The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have asked the court to keep five suspects in custody over the murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, citing concerns that their release could compromise witnesses, evidence and ongoing investigations.
Highlights
- Prosecution wants five suspects denied bail.
- DCI cites possible witness interference and destruction of evidence.
- Investigators say some alleged accomplices remain at large.
- Maritim Kimutai was arrested at Pangani Police Station on August 22.
- The case is also linked to a separate property investigation in Mlolongo.
Main Story
State Raises Bail Concerns
The prosecution has opposed bail for five people accused in connection with the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, arguing that their release could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
In an affidavit filed in court, Homicide Investigations Bureau officer Corporal Romana Odour said the suspects are jointly charged with other individuals who have not yet appeared before court.
Dr Mutiso was killed on July 29, 2026, with investigators continuing to pursue leads surrounding the circumstances of her death.
The prosecution acknowledges that the Constitution provides accused persons with a right to bail unless compelling reasons exist to justify continued detention.
Witnesses and Evidence
According to the affidavit, investigators are concerned that releasing the suspects could expose witnesses to interference or influence.
The State also fears that evidence could be destroyed, concealed or otherwise tampered with while investigations remain incomplete.
Investigators reportedly received intelligence on August 20 about an alleged plan to harm individuals who had agreed to cooperate with detectives.
The affidavit says fifth accused Maritim Kimutai was arrested at Pangani Police Station two days later while allegedly visiting one of the cooperating suspects and carrying food.
Phone Data and Suspects in Uganda
The DCI further claims that information recovered from Kimutai’s phone assisted detectives in tracing additional suspects.
Among those arrested were three individuals who had allegedly escaped to Uganda, according to the investigating officer.
The DCI says investigations are still active and that other alleged accomplices remain at large.
The prosecution has also raised concerns about alleged involvement of some senior police officers, saying the circumstances make ordinary bail conditions insufficient to address the risks identified by investigators.
Husband Listed as Key Witness
The deceased’s husband has been identified as an important prosecution witness.
Investigators say his relationship with the first three accused persons, coupled with the trauma surrounding his wife’s death, makes him particularly vulnerable.
The DCI also says some witnesses are currently under the protection of the Witness Protection Agency.
The prosecution argues that the accused persons or people acting on their behalf could attempt to contact or influence those witnesses if they are released.
Separate Mlolongo Property Investigation
The case has also been linked by investigators to another probe involving property belonging to Dr Mutiso and her husband in Mlolongo.
According to the affidavit, the property involved is estimated to be worth about KSh37 million. Investigators are also examining allegations surrounding a forged title deed.
The prosecution says these investigations form part of the wider inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
State Seeks Continued Detention
The DCI maintains that the risks cannot be adequately addressed through conventional bail terms because some alleged members of the wider network remain at large.
Investigators have also cited concerns over alleged access to police resources by some individuals connected to the case.
The State has therefore asked the court to deny bail to the five accused persons, arguing that continued custody is necessary to protect witnesses, preserve evidence and allow detectives to complete their work.
The allegations remain subject to determination by the court, and the accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
As the investigation continues, the court will ultimately determine whether the reasons presented by the prosecution meet the legal threshold for keeping the five suspects in custody.
