A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of Rose Mbithe Mulwa, also known as Rose Mbithe Ndetei, and Chris Mulwa, a High Court advocate, for 21 days in connection with the murder investigation of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
On August 3, 2026, Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) a 21-day detention period, shorter than the 30 days initially requested. The magistrate cited sufficient grounds to hold the two individuals to prevent interference with witnesses and to allow the probe to proceed without obstruction.
Magistrate Onsarigo stated:
- Detention is necessary to safeguard the integrity of ongoing investigations.
- It helps avoid any actual or perceived witness intimidation.
- Rose Mbithe Mulwa will be held at Kilimani Police Station, while Chris Mulwa will be detained at Kileleshwa Police Station.
Professor Ndetei, the husband of the late Dr Mutiso and a key witness, requires protection. The prosecution informed the court that Professor Ndetei has yet to provide a full statement regarding the murder, including prior threats against his wife and identification of suspects who may have followed her before the incident.
The court was told that the emotional vulnerability of Professor Ndetei necessitates safeguarding from intimidation, especially given his connections to the detained individuals—Rose Mbithe being his ex-wife and Chris Mulwa his son.
The case is set for mention on August 25, 2026, to determine further proceedings.
