A Nairobi court has granted police permission to detain Samuel Karanja Gathoni, alias Wakili, for an additional 14 days as authorities move to place him under the Witness Protection Programme in connection with the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso. Gathoni, listed as the third respondent in an application filed on October 1, 2026, delivered critical leads to investigators. His detailed account prompted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider turning him into a key prosecution witness rather than a defendant.
According to court documents, Gathoni gave crucial information to the investigating team, hence the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and investigating team intends to use him as a prosecution witness. The Witness Protection Agency interviewed Gathoni on September 24, 2026, to assess the value and credibility of his statement. This interview was a critical step in determining whether Gathoni's testimony would be valuable in the murder investigation.
Formal arrangements are now underway to integrate Gathoni into the witness protection system. To secure his safety during the transition, the prosecution requested to hold Gathoni at Kilimani Police Station, or an alternative facility, for two more weeks while agency officials finalize his protection protocol. The court granted the request in full, citing the need to protect Gathoni from potential security risks.
Detectives pointed out that Gathoni faces severe safety risks because several accomplices tied to the high-profile homicide remain at large. Beyond protecting the potential witness, state attorneys highlighted ongoing forensic examinations alongside serious risks of witness tampering, suspect collusion, and evidence destruction as grounds for his extended stay in custody.
Investigators argued that these combined security threats and pending forensic procedures created compelling grounds to restrict Gathoni's freedom while team members wrap up the remaining legs of the investigation. The murder investigation has already yielded significant progress, with five suspects officially charged in court over the death of Dr. Mutiso.
The decision to place Gathoni under the Witness Protection Programme is a significant development in the case. It highlights the critical role that Gathoni's testimony is expected to play in the prosecution's case against the suspects. The Witness Protection Programme is designed to protect witnesses who are at risk due to their testimony.
The case is ongoing, with further developments expected as the investigation continues. The police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are working together to ensure that justice is served in the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso.
Key points
- A Nairobi court has granted police 14 days to detain Samuel Karanja Gathoni, alias Wakili, as they seek to place him under the Witness Protection Programme.
- Gathoni's testimony is critical to the prosecution's case against the suspects in the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso.
- The murder investigation has already yielded significant progress, with five suspects officially charged in court.
