Professor David Ndetei has expressed concerns for his life if his ex-wife, Rose Mbithe Mulwa, and her two children are granted bail. In an affidavit presented to the High Court, Prof Ndetei states that the trio has been threatening him and his current wife, Dr Victoria Mutiso, since his divorce from Ms Mbithe in 2001. He claims that these threats culminated in the death of Dr Mutiso on July 29, 2026.
According to Prof Ndetei, Ms Mbithe has a history of making threats against him. He describes her as an "imperious individual" who has constantly intimidated him. Prof Ndetei fears that if granted bail, Ms Mbithe and her children will contact, intimidate, or influence witnesses against him, affecting the trial's outcome. He also fears for his family's safety, given the accused's 30-year history of threats.
Ms Mbithe, along with two police officers and three others, is charged with the murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso. Prof Ndetei's affidavit opposing their bail bid highlights their alleged roles in the crime. The accused, including police officers Elijah Kimoi and Collins Bett, deny the joint charge of murdering Dr Mutiso. The prosecution, led by counsel Jalson Makori and Gikui Gichuhi, argues that the accused will interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
The murder case has garnered significant attention, with the prosecution pursuing other suspects connected to the crime. Prof Ndetei has urged Justice Alexander Muteti to take note of Ms Mbithe's derogatory remarks about him, his deceased wife, and his family during the proceedings. He emphasizes that all seven suspects are closely connected and coordinated with each other.
The accused, including Ms Mbithe's children Chris and Angela Mulwa, are advocates. PC Collins Bett was repatriated from Uganda, where he had gone into hiding after the murder. The other defendants are Martim Kimutai, also known as Kim, and Pius Muiru. The prosecution and Prof Ndetei's affidavit raise concerns about the accused's potential to interfere with witnesses and compromise the trial.
Prof Ndetei and his current wife, Dr Mutiso, had received threats for 30 years, according to the professor. He claims that Ms Mbithe and her children evicted him from a Sh1.5 billion Mlolongo property development. The professor's affidavit provides insight into the history of animosity between him and his ex-wife, which he believes justifies denying them bail.
The case will continue with Justice Muteti considering the bail application and the prosecution's opposition. Prof Ndetei's concerns for his life and the potential interference with witnesses will be weighed against the accused's right to bail. The court's decision will have significant implications for the trial and the pursuit of justice for Dr Mutiso's murder.
Key points
- Professor David Ndetei opposes his ex-wife Rose Mbithe's bail bid, citing threats to his life and potential interference with witnesses.
- The accused, including Ms Mbithe and two police officers, deny the joint charge of murdering Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso.
- The prosecution argues that the accused will interfere with witnesses if released on bail, given their connections and history of threats.
