Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, a leading Kenyan mental health researcher and director at the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB), was shot dead in a targeted attack during her morning commute in Nairobi.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at the intersection of Mbagathi Link Road and Mawenzi Road. Eyewitnesses reported a coordinated ambush involving a Toyota Prado and a motorcycle carrying three men. The motorcycle approached the Uber vehicle transporting Dr Mutiso, and one assailant fired twice at close range, hitting her in the head.
Following the shooting, the Uber driver rushed Dr Mutiso to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Police have detained the Uber vehicle as evidence after recovering two spent cartridges from inside. Investigators are also analyzing mobile phones belonging to Dr Mutiso and the driver to trace their movements and communications prior to the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
- Dr Mutiso had reportedly made prior reports of threats to her life at Kilimani Police Station, with the case later transferred to Satellite Police Station under Dagoretti Division.
- Authorities are exploring whether these threats are connected to the killing.
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is pursuing the suspects, who remain at large.
- The Uber driver is in custody and cooperating with investigators.
- CCTV footage is being reviewed to track the movements of the motorcycle and the Toyota Prado involved.
- Detectives have also interviewed Dr Mutiso’s husband and colleagues at her home in Riara to determine the motive.
Dr Mutiso's body is currently at Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed that investigations are at an advanced stage as efforts continue to apprehend those responsible for the assassination.
