Victoria Mutiso, director at the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health and a respected mental health researcher, was fatally shot in a suspected targeted attack in Nairobi on July 29.
The incident unfolded around 9 a.m. at the junction of Bad Ling Road and Meni Road. Eyewitnesses reported that an SUV was parked at the scene when Mutiso's taxi arrived. Shortly after, a motorcycle carrying three men pulled alongside the taxi, and one of the occupants fired two close-range shots, striking Mutiso in the head before fleeing.
Joram Olasi, who witnessed the shooting, described the chaotic moments: "I heard gunshots and saw a man screaming. The Uber driver quickly left the scene." The taxi driver rushed Mutiso to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Authorities from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have taken custody of the taxi and recovered two spent cartridges from inside. Investigators are examining whether the SUV and motorcycle involved were acting in coordination.
Significantly, Mutiso had reportedly reported threats to her life at Kimani Police Station prior to the attack and was referred to a satellite station for follow-up. Detectives are exploring connections between these threats and the killing.
Ongoing Investigation
- DCI forensic teams are reviewing CCTV footage and searching for additional evidence at the scene.
- Investigators have interviewed Mutiso's husband and colleagues at her Nairobi home to establish possible motives.
- Mobile phone data from Mutiso and the taxi driver are being analyzed for relevant communications before the shooting.
- An autopsy is pending at Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary.
DCI Director Muhammad Amin confirmed that efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects are ongoing, with the assailants still at large.
