[PHOTOS] Mother, son detained for 21 days in Dr Mutiso murder probe

Suspects Chris Mulwa and her mother, Rose Mbithe Mulwa, at the Milimani law courts on August 3, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A

The High Court has ordered two suspects in the probe into the killing of psychologist Dr Victoria Mutiso to remain in police custody for 21 days, citing concerns that their release could interfere with witnesses as investigations continue.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, August 3, the court directed that Rose Mbithe Mulwa be held at Kileleshwa Police Station while her son, Chris Mulwa, be detained separately at Kilimani Police Station.

Suspects Chris Mulwa and her mother, Rose Mbithe Mulwa, at the Milimani law courts on August 3, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A

The separation is intended to allow detectives to continue their investigations without compromising the integrity of the case.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) successfully sought the 21-day detention period, telling the court that investigators had received reports of threats targeting Dr Mutiso's family and her husband, raising fears of possible witness intimidation.

According to the prosecution, Rose Mulwa is the former wife of Professor David Musyimi Ndetei, Dr Mutiso's husband. The two divorced in 2001 after their marriage, during which they had four children together, including Chris Mulwa.

Suspects Chris Mulwa and her mother, Rose Mbithe Mulwa, at the Milimani law courts on August 3, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A

In delivering the ruling, the magistrate found that prosecutors had presented sufficient grounds to justify continued detention.

The court noted that evidence presented regarding threats allegedly made against Dr. Mutiso before her death could not be ignored at this stage of the investigation.

Suspects Chris Mulwa and his mother, Rose Mbithe Mulwa with their lawyer, Danstan Omari, at the Milimani Law Courts on August 3, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A

Although prosecutors had initially requested that the suspects be held for 30 days, the court settled on a 21-day custodial period, giving investigators additional time to complete critical aspects of the inquiry.

Rose and Chris Mulwa were arrested on July 29 in Nairobi's Karen area during what detectives described as an intelligence-led operation.

Suspects Chris Mulwa and his mother, Rose Mulwa taken to police custody from the Milimani Law Courts, where the DCI was granted 21 days to hold them to complete their investigations. EZEKIEL AMING'A

Court documents include an affidavit sworn by Corporal Romana Odour, detailing two separate incidents in which Dr Mutiso was allegedly followed and threatened by men riding a motorcycle before she was killed.

Investigators state that on July 7, 2026, Dr Mutiso was driving along Ngong Road near Junction Mall when two men on a motorcycle allegedly confronted her, with one reportedly pointing a firearm at her.

She escaped unharmed and later reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station. 

Twenty-four days after reporting the alleged threats, Dr Mutiso was shot dead while travelling in a taxi through Nairobi's Upper Hill area on her way to work.