NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 11-Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that two police officers linked to the killing of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso were arrested and subsequently released on the orders of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen before being moved to neighbouring Uganda.
Gachagua made the claims Tuesday while presenting what he described as an accountability statement and performance audit of President William Ruto’s administration.
He alleged that the handling of the officers had raised serious questions about the investigation into Mutiso’s death.
“I’ve just been told that the two police officers who were mentioned in the death of Dr Victoria Mutiso were arrested and released on orders of Kipchumba Murkomen. They were never taken to any police station,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) facilitated the officers’ relocation to Uganda.
“I’ve just now, on my way here, been informed that the DCI has facilitated their relocation to our neighboring country, Uganda,” he said.
The former Deputy President did not name the two officers or provide documentary evidence during the address to substantiate the claims.
The allegation comes against the backdrop of an ongoing DCI investigation into Mutiso’s killing and could raise fresh questions over the handling of police officers suspected of involvement in the case.
Gachagua also launched a broader attack on the security agencies, accusing the government of using state institutions to shield individuals linked to alleged extrajudicial killings and abductions.
“This police station, as I’ve said, is a crime scene and an assassination empire,” he alleged.
Three suspects in custody
The allegations come as three suspects are already being held in connection with Mutiso’s killing.
According to court proceedings cited in the investigation, police officer Elijah Kibelion Kimoi, Daniel Njoroge and Kevin Kinuthia were arrested on August 7 following an intelligence-led operation.
Milimani Magistrate Paul Mutai granted the DCI 30 days to hold the suspects, citing the risk of interference with investigations.
“I note that one of the suspects is a serving police officer and if the respondents are released on bond there’s a likelihood that they will interfere with investigations,” the magistrate ruled.
Investigators have alleged that Kimoi fired the fatal shot, while Njoroge allegedly used a black Toyota Prado to block the vehicle carrying Mutiso.
Kinuthia is accused of providing transport to Kimoi using a motorcycle.
Mutiso was shot on July 29, 2026, while inside a cab, while riding in a taxi in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area.
Detectives recovered spent cartridges and bullet fragments from the scene and later examined a Mini Jericho pistol.
The DCI told the court that preliminary ballistic findings linked the recovered ammunition to the firearm, which had reportedly been issued to a senior police officer who remains at large.
Investigators are also examining whether a land dispute involving Mutiso could have provided a motive for her killing.
The probe has further focused on an earlier incident in which Mutiso reportedly told police that two armed men on a motorcycle confronted her near Junction Mall along Ngong Road on July 7.
She reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station under OB Number 63 of July 7, with detectives now alleging that one of the men involved was Kimoi.
The DCI has said several aspects of the investigation remain outstanding, including CCTV analysis, call-data records, recovery of other firearms, examination of vehicles and motorcycles allegedly connected to the murder and interviews with additional witnesses.
The supplied court record does not, however, establish that the two officers referred to by Gachagua are the same individuals as the three suspects currently in custody.
It also does not independently verify his allegation that the DCI facilitated the relocation of any suspect to Uganda.
The three suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 10, 2026, when investigators are expected to update the court on the progress of the probe.
