Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the killing of mental health researcher Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, with detectives examining a suspected love triangle and a longstanding land dispute as possible motives for the attack.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested Rose Mbithi Mulwa and her son, Chris Mulwa, as part of investigations into the murder.
According to detectives, Dr Mutiso was travelling to work along Mbagathi Road in Nairobi when armed men riding motorcycles reportedly ambushed her. The attackers are said to have fled the scene after the shooting, prompting homicide detectives to launch investigations.
Investigators have reportedly connected the case to Dr Mutiso’s recent marriage to Professor David Ndetei. According to the DCI, Rose allegedly told detectives during questioning that tensions surrounding the marriage may have contributed to the conflict.
The suspected relationship dispute is being examined alongside threats that Dr Mutiso had reportedly raised with Kilimani Police Station before her death.
Detectives are also investigating a disagreement involving a 23-acre parcel of land in Mlolongo. The property was reportedly acquired by Professor Ndetei in 1999, but investigators are examining an alleged change in its ownership that occurred earlier this year.
Authorities believe the land dispute may have added to existing tensions among the people connected to the case.
The DCI is reviewing Dr Mutiso’s earlier safety concerns, the alleged relationship dispute and the disagreement over the property as investigators work to establish what led to the fatal attack.
The Uber driver who was transporting Dr Mutiso to work when she was attacked remains in police custody. Investigators consider him an important witness who could help establish the events leading up to the shooting and provide information about the movements of individuals connected to the case.
Meanwhile, detectives are awaiting a postmortem examination, which is expected to provide additional forensic information and help establish the exact cause of death.
Investigations remain ongoing as detectives pursue additional leads and work to determine the circumstances surrounding Dr Mutiso’s killing and identify all those who may have been involved.