How Kenyan Detectives Tracked Victoria Mutiso Murder Suspects in Uganda

Three men deported from Uganda over the killing of psychiatrist Dr Victoria Mutiso have been ordered to remain in custody for 30 days as Kenyan police continue their investigations.

Police Constable Collins Kiplangat Bett, Pius Muiru Mbugua, alias “Headboy”, and Samuel Karanja Gathoni, alias “Wakili”, were presented before the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday after being handed over to Kenyan authorities. The three were arrested in Kampala following an intelligence-led operation involving Interpol. They were initially arraigned before the Buganda Road Court in Kampala on 31 August before being transferred to Kenyan authorities at the Malaba border.

Investigators allege that the suspects played key roles in the killing, which occurred 35 days ago. Police told the court that Gathoni was identified through CCTV footage as the driver of a black Toyota Prado that followed Dr Mutiso's taxi before another vehicle blocked its path, allowing the attackers to shoot her.

Detectives traced Gathoni to his residence in Lang’ata and monitored his movements between Nairobi and Kampala. He was arrested after returning to Kenya, and investigators say information obtained following his arrest led them to the Kampala hideout where Bett and Mbugua were detained.

The suspects had been staying at Kyanja Heights Flats in Kampala's Nakawa suburb, which police identified as their hideout while they evaded arrest. In ordering their continued detention, the magistrate said the three posed a flight risk because they had left Kenya after the murder. She directed that they be held separately at Kasarani, Kileleshwa and Kilimani police stations.

The arrests come a week after four other suspects were brought before the High Court in connection with Dr Mutiso's killing. They include Rose Mbithe Mulwa, also known as Rose Mbithe Ndetei, her children Chris and Angela Mulwa, who are both advocates, and police officer Elijah Kibellion Kimoi.

The four remain in custody pending mental assessments. Their plea hearing is scheduled for later this month. Mulwa and her associate, Nelson Masiga Makaralu, are also facing separate charges of theft and malicious damage to property.

Prosecutors allege that the two conspired to steal a Range Rover Sport valued at Sh15 million from the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health, an organisation directed by Professor David Musyimi Ndetei. The vehicle was allegedly taken during a disputed eviction in February and was later recovered in Nairobi.

The pair are also accused of damaging a dwelling house belonging to Prof Ndetei, which prosecutors estimate to be worth Sh56 million. Both denied the charges. The court has ordered a pre-bail report before determining their bail application, with the case scheduled to be mentioned again on 9 September.