Rose Mbithe Mulwa and her son Chris Mulwa have refuted allegations linking them to a revenge motive in the murder investigation of renowned clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Mutiso.

The matter was heard on Friday before Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, where the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) requested a 30-day extension to complete their probe.

Background of the Case

  • Rose was previously married to Dr Mutiso’s husband; they divorced in 2001.
  • Chris Mulwa is the son of Rose and Dr Mutiso’s husband from the earlier marriage.
  • The DCI cited a property dispute involving a land parcel (LR No. 1504/13) linked to Mutiso’s family as relevant to the investigation.

Investigators allege Rose filed a case at Machakos Law Courts concerning the land, naming Mutiso as the third defendant. They claim this dispute led to eviction and demolition of Mutiso’s family properties, after which Mutiso reportedly received threats.

Incident Leading to Murder

On July 7, 2026, Dr Mutiso reported being followed by two men on a motorcycle near Junction Mall on Ngong Road. The pillion passenger allegedly brandished a firearm and attempted to shoot her. The DCI states Mutiso identified the pillion passenger as Chris Mulwa before her death.

Defence Challenges Investigation Claims

  • Lawyer Cliff Ombeta questioned why Chris was not arrested sooner if identified as a suspect.
  • Ombeta also disputed the DCI’s account of unlawful eviction, stating the eviction was court-ordered and the property belongs to Rose.
  • Lawyer Danstan Omari argued that a 20-year-old divorce could not be a credible motive for revenge killing now.

Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings

The DCI emphasized that investigations are ongoing and complex, involving forensic analysis of ballistic evidence, CCTV footage, call data records, and a vehicle linked to the case. The suspected gunman and motorcycle rider remain at large.

The prosecution requested the court to allow continued detention of Rose and Chris for 30 days to conclude investigations. Lawyers for Mutiso’s family supported this, citing the seriousness of the offence and risk of evidence interference. The defence opposed extended detention, proposing bail and regular police reporting instead.

Principal Magistrate Onsarigo remanded the suspects and directed that their families may deliver medication through police if needed. The court will rule on the custodial application on August 3, 2026.