DCI boss Mohamed Amin addressing the media on the progress of investigations into the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso at DCI headquarters, Kiambu Road, August 7, 2026. /HANDOUT
The murder of former African Institute of Mental and Brain Health director Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso was meticulously planned and carried out with the involvement of an organised network, according to Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin.
Amin said investigations into the July 29 killing had made significant progress, with forensic and intelligence teams identifying key persons of interest, including individuals believed to have organised, financed and carried out the operation.
“The cold-blooded murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso was meticulously planned, with ruthless and professional execution,” Amin said in a statement issued Friday.
He added: “The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has responded with an equally professional, relentless, exhaustive and uncompromising investigation grounded firmly in forensic science, intelligence and team collaboration.”
Dr Mutiso was shot on the morning of July 29 while travelling in an Uber from Tanga Heights Apartment along Riara Road to the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health in Upper Hill.
According to the DCI, the Uber driver was driving the vehicle when it encountered a black Toyota Prado that had partly blocked the road in the Mawensi area of Upper Hill at about 9.23 am.
As the driver slowed down, a gunman allegedly opened fire from the rear left side of the vehicle where Dr Mutiso was seated.
The driver sped away and headed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where Dr Mutiso was pronounced dead after sustaining three gunshot wounds.
The case was initially handled by detectives before being taken over by the Homicide Investigations Bureau, supported by forensic experts from the National Police Forensic Laboratory, Criminal Research and Intelligence Bureau and other specialised teams.
Two spent cartridges were recovered at the scene, while a bullet head was recovered during the post-mortem examination.
Investigators subsequently identified two people as key persons of interest.
The DCI said one person of interest is believed to have coordinated the operation and was allegedly the driver of a Land Cruiser Prado used to block the Uber vehicle.
The other person of interest, meanwhile, has been identified as the motorcycle rider who allegedly ferried the shooter to the scene. The motorcycle has since been impounded.
The investigation has also extended to serving police officers, with the DCI alleging that some may have played critical roles in the alleged conspiracy.
The DCI alleged that one serving police officer acted as a link between those believed to have financed the operation and the operational team, and was the source of the firearm allegedly used in the killing. The officer remains at large, according to the DCI.
Another police officer has been arrested and is alleged to be the officer who fired the fatal shots. A third officer has also been linked by investigators to the scene and is reported to be on the run.
The DCI said a Mini Jericho pistol recovered from a police armoury was subjected to ballistic examination.
“The ballistic report has positively identified this Mini Jericho pistol as the murder weapon used in the fatal shooting of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso,” the statement said.
Investigators said the suspected motive was linked to a longstanding land dispute. They pointed to a civil suit filed at the Machakos Law Courts involving a caveat placed by Dr Mutiso on land in Mlolongo, Athi River Sub-County.
The DCI also said two people were being investigated as alleged organisers and financiers of the conspiracy. They are currently being held as investigations continue.
The court had on July 31 granted investigators 21 days to complete critical inquiries involving the two.
The DCI said it was pursuing additional leads, including possible links between some persons of interest and the 2025 shooting of lawyer Kyalo Mbobu along Magadi Road.
Amin said investigators would pursue everyone suspected of having played a role.
“We will stop at nothing to ensure that justice is fully served. No one, regardless of status, uniform or influence, is above the law,” he said.
He added that the DCI would pursue those suspected of financing, organising, supplying the weapon, carrying out the shooting or facilitating the crime.
The agency has appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to come forward through established DCI channels, assuring them that any information shared would be treated confidentially.
