Three More Suspects Arrested in Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso Murder Investigation

Serving police constable among suspects arrested in Nairobi and Kampala as detectives pursue alleged members of a team linked to the killing

Detectives have arrested three additional suspects in connection with the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, including a serving police constable who was apprehended in Kampala, Uganda.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the investigation, following a coordinated operation conducted in Nairobi and the Ugandan capital.

The operation was carried out by a specialised team comprising officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, Operations Directorate and Homicide Bureau at DCI Headquarters.

Two suspects arrested in Kampala

According to the DCI, forensic analysis helped detectives trace two suspects to Kyanja Heights flats in Nakawa, Kampala, where they were arrested with assistance from the Uganda Police Force.

The suspects were identified as Police Constable Bett Kiplangat Collins, service number 118491, who is attached to Thogoto Police Station, and civilian Pius Muiru Mbugua.

The DCI said the two allegedly entered Uganda illegally following the murder and are currently being held at Jinja Road Police Station pending their escorted return to Kenya.

A third suspect, Samuel Karanja Gathoni, also known by the alias “Lawyer”, was intercepted by detectives in the Langata Multi-Media area while reportedly travelling towards Ongata Rongai.

Suspects' alleged roles

Investigators allege that PC Bett was assigned to conduct surveillance and served as a co-driver to Daniel Mwangi Njoroge, whom detectives describe as a key organiser of the alleged operation.

Njoroge is also alleged to have been driving a Land Cruiser Prado, registration number KDH 600A, which investigators say was used to block the Uber vehicle in which Dr Mutiso was travelling.

The incident reportedly occurred on the morning of July 29, 2026, in Upper Hill, Nairobi, shortly before Dr Mutiso was fatally shot.

The DCI further alleges that Mbugua acted as a link between the alleged execution team and the individual who contracted them. Investigators describe him as a suspected paymaster who facilitated the movement of funds for logistics and the movement of the alleged hit team.

The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.

Uganda police assist in arrests

The National Police Service acknowledged the assistance provided by the Uganda Police Force, saying the cooperation was instrumental in locating, arresting and securing the suspects.

The DCI said the two suspects arrested in Kampala are being prepared for an escorted return to Kenya, where they will be processed and presented before court in accordance with the law.

The latest arrests expand the number of individuals under investigation as detectives continue piecing together the circumstances surrounding Dr Mutiso's death.

DCI rejects claims over investigation

The DCI also used its statement to respond to what it described as “reckless and unsubstantiated” claims by political actors concerning the handling of the investigation.

The agency rejected allegations that suspects had previously been arrested and released or that security officials had facilitated their escape.

According to the DCI, such claims are false and risk undermining public confidence in investigators.

The agency maintained that its teams remain focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding Dr Mutiso's killing, identifying all individuals who may have been involved and ensuring that suspects are brought before the courts.

The latest arrests in Nairobi and Kampala are expected to provide detectives with additional information as investigations into the murder continue.