Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, director at the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health, was fatally shot in a premeditated attack in Nairobi on the morning of July 29, 2026.
Witnesses detailed a coordinated ambush at the junction of Mbagathi Ring Road and Mawensi Road involving an SUV and a motorcycle carrying three assailants. As Dr. Mutiso’s taxi stopped, one of the motorcycle riders fired two shots at close range, fatally wounding her.
The taxi driver rushed Dr. Mutiso to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body was taken to the hospital morgue pending an autopsy.
Prior Threats Under Investigation
Investigators confirmed Dr. Mutiso had previously reported direct threats to her life at Kilimani Police Station. The case was subsequently transferred to Satellite Police Station under the Dagoretti Division for further inquiry.
Homicide detectives and forensic experts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are examining whether these threats are linked to her killing. Two spent cartridges were recovered from the taxi, which remains in police custody.
Authorities are also reviewing communications from mobile phones belonging to Dr. Mutiso and the taxi driver. CCTV footage from the area is being analyzed to track the getaway vehicles.
The taxi driver is currently in custody for questioning as a person of interest. Investigators have also engaged Dr. Mutiso’s family and colleagues to establish a possible motive.
DCI Director Mohammed Amin stated the investigation is ongoing, with all leads being pursued to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
