Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, a respected clinical psychologist and mental health researcher, was tragically killed in Nairobi on the morning of July 29, 2026. The incident occurred near Kenyatta National Hospital while she was traveling in a taxi.
According to police reports, two gunmen on a motorcycle blocked the taxi and opened fire at close range. The attackers are believed to have followed Dr Mutiso from her home in Kilimani before the ambush. She sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Ongoing Investigation
Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed detectives are actively pursuing leads in what has been described as a targeted attack. A team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), supported by forensic experts, has taken over the case. Forensic evidence, including a spent cartridge, has been collected and sent for analysis.
The DCI has urged the public to avoid speculation and to provide any relevant information confidentially through designated channels, including a toll-free line and WhatsApp.
Background and Legacy
Dr Mutiso served as the Research Director at the Africa Mental Health Foundation. She was married to Professor David Musyimi Ndetei, the founding director of the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (AMHRTF), and they have two children.
She had previously reported threats to her life at Kilimani Police Station following an earlier incident involving armed men on a motorcycle.
Research Contributions
- Her recent work included a qualitative study on pathways to care for women experiencing intimate partner violence in Nairobi's informal settlements.
- She also contributed to research on improving outcomes for homeless individuals with severe mental illness in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Kenya.
The DCI extended condolences to Dr Mutiso’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
