Dr Victoria Mutiso Murder: Four Suspects Ordered to Undergo Psychiatric Assessment

The High Court has ordered four suspects accused of murdering psychiatrist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso to undergo psychiatric assessments before they can take their pleas.

Justice Kanyi Kimondo directed presidential aspirant Rose Mbithe, her children Angela and Chris Mulwa, and Police Constable Elijah Kibelion to be examined at Mbagathi Hospital or another designated facility in Nairobi. The assessments will be conducted over 14 days to determine whether the four are mentally fit to stand trial.

The case will be mentioned on 23 September before Justice Alexander Muteti. The findings of the psychiatric assessments will determine whether the suspects can proceed to plea-taking.

The order followed confirmation by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that murder charges will be brought against the four suspects. Prosecutors allege that Dr Mutiso was shot dead on the morning of 29 July along Mawensi Road in Nairobi County while travelling in a taxi.

Dr Mutiso was the former director of the African Institute of Mental and Brain Health. Defence lawyer Cliff Ombeta asked the court to bring the matter forward, arguing that his clients had already spent 30 days in police custody. Justice Kimondo declined the request, saying the court was in recess and that the case would proceed according to previous orders.

Mbithe and her daughter Angela have been remanded at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, while Chris Mulwa and Constable Kibelion are being held at Nairobi Remand Prison. The court also ordered that Kibelion, who is attached to Karinde Police Post, be provided with legal representation at the State’s expense.

Investigators have linked the alleged murder to a property dispute involving Dr Mutiso’s family and Mbithe, who was previously married to Dr Mutiso’s husband, Professor David Musyimi Ndetei. The dispute also involves civil proceedings over contested assets.

The psychiatric assessments are intended to establish whether the accused persons are capable of understanding the proceedings and participating in their defence. The results will determine whether the court can proceed with plea-taking and the next stage of the case.

The matter is expected to return to court on 23 September, when the assessment findings will be considered.