Homicide detectives have arrested two key suspects in the murder investigation of renowned mental health researcher Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, as investigators intensify efforts to unravel what they believe was a meticulously planned killing linked to a long-running family property dispute.
The suspects, Rose Mbithe Mulwa and her son Chris Mulwa, were arrested during a midnight raid at their residence in Nairobi’s South C Estate. Detectives recovered more than 40 mobile phones, a Mitsubishi Pajero and several electronic devices, all of which have been seized for forensic examination.
Dr. Mutiso, a respected psychiatrist and mental health researcher, was fatally attacked on Mbagathi Link Road while travelling in a taxi after leaving her home in Riara. Investigators believe a Toyota Prado deliberately intercepted and blocked the taxi moments before assailants attacked her. The vehicle is believed to have fled the scene immediately after the killing, and detectives are analysing CCTV footage from her residence and along the route to trace those involved.
Police have ruled out the taxi driver as a suspect after a forensic review of his mobile phone records revealed no communication with anyone other than the victim. Detectives now consider him a key witness in the investigation.
Investigators believe the motive may be linked to a dispute over a 23-acre parcel of land in Mlolongo valued at nearly KSh2 billion. The land is said to have been acquired by renowned psychiatrist Professor David Ndetei before his divorce from Rose Mbithe Mulwa in 1996.
According to detectives, Rose allegedly attempted to evict Professor Ndetei from the property earlier this year using what investigators describe as forged documents. Police are also examining whether Dr. Mutiso’s recent marriage to Professor Ndetei, solemnized just days before her death, may have intensified the dispute and contributed to the alleged motive.
The investigation has further revealed that Dr. Mutiso had previously reported incidents of intimidation to police at Kilimani and Satellite police stations after unknown individuals allegedly attempted to block her vehicle and abduct her near the Yaya Centre area.
The two suspects remain in police custody as detectives continue analysing electronic evidence and CCTV footage while pursuing additional suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
Dr. Mutiso’s body is expected to undergo a post-mortem examination as investigators seek to establish the exact cause of death and gather further forensic evidence to support the homicide investigation.
