Five suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Rose Mbithe, her children Chris Mulwa and Angela Mulwa, Police Constable Elijah Kimoi, and Kimutai Maritim appeared before Justice Alexander Muteti. They applied for release on cash bail two months after Dr. Mutiso's assassination in Upper Hill, Kenya. The suspects' allegations of torture and denied medical care have added a new layer of controversy to the case.
In their bail application, Mbithe and her children alleged that they were tortured while in police custody. They accused the prosecution of bias in the handling of the case. Mbithe stated that she had lost 16 kilos and her blood pressure had increased to 80. She claimed that she had been passing urine with blood and had been tortured. Chris Mulwa added that his mother and sister were also tortured and that the DCI intentionally denied them medical treatment.
The family has written complaint letters to top government officials, including the President, the Head of Public Service, the Inspector General of Police, and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). They accused the prosecution of bias and discrimination. Angela stated that Daniel Mwangi, another suspect, had been receiving preferential treatment. He was given four days, while the rest of the suspects were given 30 days.
Prosecuting counsel Jalson Makori stated that the issues raised by the suspects could only be responded to by the investigating officer. He asked for time to respond to the allegations. Six lawyers representing the family sought to withdraw from the case, citing that they had not been briefed on the allegations contained in the bail application and the supporting affidavit.
The court allowed the six lawyers to withdraw, with lawyer Joel Mbaluka holding brief as the family's counsel. In his ruling, Justice Alexander Muteti directed the prosecution to respond to the allegations within three days. The DCI has also filed an application opposing the release of the suspects on bail.
The case will be heard on October 6, 2026. The allegations of torture and denied medical care have raised concerns about the handling of the case. The family's claims will be addressed in court, and the prosecution will have to respond to the allegations.
The murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso has sparked widespread outrage, and the allegations of torture and denied medical care have added to the controversy surrounding the case. The suspects' claims will be investigated, and the court will determine their fate.
Key points
- The suspects in Dr. Victoria Mutiso's murder case allege torture and denied medical care while in police custody.
- The family has written complaint letters to top government officials, including the President and the Inspector General of Police.
- The case will be heard on October 6, 2026, after the prosecution responds to the allegations within three days.
