NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives investigating the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso have arrested three more suspects, including a serving police constable who was apprehended in Kampala, in what the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has described as a major breakthrough in the case.
The arrests were made during a coordinated operation in Nairobi and Kampala by a specialised team drawn from the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, Operations Directorate and Homicide Bureau.
Police Constable Arrested in Kampala
According to the DCI, forensic analysis enabled detectives to 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, attached to Thogoto Police Station, and civilian Pius Muiru Mbugua.
The DCI said the two had allegedly entered Uganda illegally following the murder. They are currently being held at Jinja Road Police Station as arrangements are made for their escorted return to Kenya.
The third suspect, Samuel Karanja Gathoni, who detectives say also uses the alias “Lawyer”, was arrested earlier in the Langata Multi-Media area while allegedly travelling towards Ongata Rongai.
DCI Links Suspects to Alleged Plot
Detectives allege that PC Bett was responsible for surveillance during the operation and acted as the co-driver of Daniel Mwangi Njoroge, whom investigators have described as a central organiser and driver of a Land Cruiser Prado, registration KDH 600A.
The DCI alleges that the Prado was used to block an Uber vehicle carrying Dr Mutiso in Upper Hill, Nairobi, on the morning of July 29, 2026, shortly before she was fatally shot.
Investigators further allege that Mbugua acted as a link between the alleged execution team and the person who contracted them. The DCI claims he served as a paymaster and facilitated the movement of money for logistics and the movement of the alleged hit squad.
The allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Suspects to Be Returned to Kenya
The DCI acknowledged the assistance provided by the Uganda Police Force, saying the cooperation enabled authorities to locate, arrest and securely detain the two suspects in Kampala.
The suspects held in Uganda are expected to be escorted back to Kenya, where detectives say all three will undergo further processing before being arraigned in court.
The arrests come as investigators continue piecing together the circumstances surrounding Dr Mutiso’s killing and identifying all individuals allegedly involved in the operation.
DCI Rejects Claims of Cover-Up
The DCI also used its statement to reject what it described as “reckless and unsubstantiated” claims by political actors regarding the investigation.
The agency specifically dismissed allegations that suspects had been secretly arrested and released or that security officials had facilitated their escape.
According to the DCI, such claims are false and could undermine public confidence in the investigation by portraying detectives as accomplices rather than investigators pursuing those responsible for the killing.
The latest arrests bring investigators closer to establishing the full chain of events surrounding Dr Mutiso’s death, including those allegedly involved in planning, financing and executing the operation.
