The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting of prominent mental health researcher Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, who was gunned down in Nairobi's Upper Hill area on Wednesday morning.
In a statement issued on July 29,2026 the DCI said homicide detectives and forensic experts had taken over the investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The agency conveyed its condolences to Dr Mutiso's family and pledged to carry out a professional and impartial investigation.
"The DCI conveys its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and loved ones of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time. We stand in solidarity with them in their grief and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to conducting a thorough, impartial and professional investigation aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and bringing those responsible to justice," the statement said.
According to investigators, police officers and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives were dispatched immediately after the shooting was reported.
The team secured and processed the crime scene, collected forensic evidence and interviewed witnesses as part of the initial inquiry.
Detectives also visited the medical facility where Dr Mutiso had been rushed following the attack.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Dr Mutiso had requested an Uber ride for transport before she sustained fatal gunshot injuries under circumstances that remain under active investigation.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had requested an Uber service for transport when she sustained fatal gunshot injuries under circumstances that remain the subject of active investigations," the DCI said.
The agency said a specialised team of homicide detectives from DCI Headquarters, supported by forensic experts, is now leading the probe and pursuing all available leads.
"Detectives are pursuing all critical investigative leads, including following up on persons of investigative interest, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all those responsible are identified and brought to justice," the statement added.
The killing has shocked the country's medical and research community, where Dr Mutiso was widely respected for her work in mental health, particularly among children and adolescents. She served as Head of Research at the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (AMHRTF) and had led and collaborated on numerous local and international studies focusing on mental illness, substance abuse and community-based mental health interventions.
The DCI urged members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, warning that speculation could compromise ongoing investigations.
"The DCI remains committed to conducting a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. As the investigation is ongoing, members of the public are urged to exercise restraint and refrain from speculation or the dissemination of unverified information, as this may prejudice the ongoing investigation," the agency said.
Investigators have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the inquiry to report to the nearest police station or anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform by calling the toll-free number 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000. The DCI said it will continue to update the public on significant developments as investigations progress and when it is operationally appropriate to do so.