Victoria Mutiso Murder: Two Granted Bail as Mother, Brother Remain in Custody

The High Court has granted bail to two suspects linked to the killing of psychiatrist Dr Victoria Mutiso, while her mother and brother remain in custody as prosecutors await directions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The two suspects, one of whom is a practising lawyer, were each released on a cash bond of Ksh1 million after being arraigned over the alleged possession of a stolen Range Rover Sport valued at Ksh15 million. Investigators allege that the vehicle was taken from a disputed 21-acre parcel of land in Mlolongo, which has become central to the murder investigation. 

Prosecutors say the vehicle forms part of a wider inquiry into the relationship between the lawyer, her co-accused and her mother. The mother and her son remain in custody under a 21-day detention order. Prosecutors have asked the court to extend the order by a further seven days, saying detectives have completed their investigations but the file has been forwarded to the ODPP for review.

The court was told that the ODPP had not yet decided whether the two should be formally charged. The prosecution said the additional seven days were necessary to allow the ODPP to consider the file and issue directions.

Dr Mutiso was shot dead on 29 July while travelling through Nairobi’s Upper Hill area. Gunmen intercepted her taxi at the junction of Mbagathi Link Road and Mawenzi Road and fired three shots into the rear passenger seat.

She was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Detectives have described the attack as a targeted assassination.

Seven suspects have so far been arrested as police continue to pursue further leads. The investigation has also focused on a long-running family dispute involving property worth billions of shillings.

The contested Mlolongo land, from which the Range Rover was allegedly taken, is a key part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing. The High Court’s decision means that two suspects will remain out on bail while the mother and son continue to be held as the ODPP considers whether to bring charges.