A Nairobi court has granted police a 14-day extension to hold Samuel Karanja Gathoni, a suspect in the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso, as authorities consider his inclusion in the Witness Protection Programme. Gathoni, also known as Wakili, provided investigators with crucial information regarding the murder, prompting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to consider using him as a prosecution witness.
According to court documents, Gathoni's information was deemed essential to the murder investigation. The DCI and ODPP intend to use him as a prosecution witness, with the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) already interviewing him on September 24, 2026. The interview was a step towards potentially admitting him into the witness protection programme, given the high risk he faces due to some suspects linked to the murder remaining at large.
The prosecution sought and obtained orders to keep Gathoni in custody at Kilimani Police Station or another police station for an additional 14 days. This was necessary to complete the process of potentially placing him under witness protection. The prosecution cited pending forensic examinations, concerns over possible interference with witnesses, collusion, and destruction of evidence as grounds for continued detention.
Gathoni is listed as the third respondent in an application filed on October 1, 2026. The court heard that his safety is a concern due to the outstanding suspects in the murder case. Measures are being taken to secure his safety while the process of admitting him into the witness protection programme is underway.
Five people have been formally charged with murder in connection with Dr. Mutiso's death. The case is ongoing, with investigations continuing. The DCI and ODPP are working to ensure that all necessary processes are completed while keeping Gathoni in custody for his safety and the integrity of the investigation.
The application to hold Gathoni for an additional 14 days was granted by the court. This allows investigators to complete the outstanding processes in the case, including forensic examinations and witness protection arrangements. The prosecution argued that compelling reasons exist to keep Gathoni in custody, including the risk he faces and the need to protect evidence.
The murder case involving Dr. Victoria Mutiso is ongoing, with multiple suspects charged and others still at large. Gathoni's role as a potential prosecution witness and his consideration for witness protection underscore the complexities of the case and the measures being taken to ensure justice is served.
Key points
- A Nairobi court has allowed police to hold Samuel Karanja Gathoni for 14 days as authorities consider placing him under the Witness Protection Programme.
- Gathoni provided crucial information to investigators regarding the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso.
- Five people have been formally charged with murder in connection with Dr. Mutiso's death.
