NAIROBI, Kenya — A Nairobi court has granted detectives 14 days to detain a police officer suspected of involvement in the murders of clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso and city lawyer Matthew Kyalo Mbobu.
Inspector Kenneth Kipkemboi Sang was arrested in Eldoret on Saturday, October 24, following an intelligence-led operation by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). He was subsequently transferred to Nairobi for questioning.
Milimani Principal Magistrate Paul Mutai granted the detention request on Monday, October 26, allowing investigators additional time to interrogate Sang, record statements, conduct searches, pursue recoveries and complete outstanding inquiries before deciding on the next steps in the case.
In its application, the DCI told the court that Sang was suspected of playing a role in both killings and would be charged with murder.
The prosecution argued that investigators needed more time to establish the full extent of his alleged involvement and examine possible links with other suspects.
“The respondent played a role in the murder of Kyalo Mbobu… He is to be charged with the two murders,” the court was told.
Firearm evidence under investigation
Investigators told the court that a Mini Jericho pistol, serial number 47302127, had been recovered and subjected to ballistic examination.
According to the DCI, a ballistic report linked cartridge cases and a bullet head recovered during the investigations to the firearm.
The prosecution further alleged that the firearm had been issued to Sang, making him a key suspect in the two murder investigations.
The alleged ballistic link and the officer’s connection to the weapon form part of the evidence investigators are seeking to examine as they prepare the case.
The allegations have not been tested at trial, and Sang’s arrest and detention do not amount to a finding of guilt.
Investigators revisit earlier attack on Dr Mutiso
The DCI also linked Sang to an earlier incident involving Mutiso, who reportedly told police that she was confronted by two armed individuals riding a motorcycle near Junction Mall along Ngong Road on July 7, 2026.
According to the prosecution’s application, Mutiso escaped the encounter and reported it at Kilimani Police Station under Occurrence Book number 63/07/07/2026.
Investigators suspect Sang may have been involved in planning the alleged attack. The court application did not, however, establish that suspicion as a proven fact.
Mutiso was later shot dead in Nairobi on July 29, 2026. Detectives are investigating whether the earlier incident was connected to her killing and whether other individuals participated in planning or carrying out the attack.
The DCI said some suspected participants remained at large, arguing that their outstanding status raised concerns about possible collusion, flight and interference with evidence if investigations were not completed.
Suspected links to lawyer Mbobu’s killing
Sang is also suspected of involvement in the killing of lawyer Matthew Kyalo Mbobu, who was shot dead on September 9, 2025.
In its application, the DCI described Sang as a suspected planner in Mbobu’s murder. Investigators said they needed additional time to interrogate him and pursue outstanding leads concerning the alleged roles of other people.
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The prosecution told the court that alleged accomplices in the two cases had already been charged in separate proceedings: Milimani High Court Criminal Case No. HCCRC E004 of 2026 in connection with Mutiso’s murder, and Kibera High Court Criminal Case No. HCCRC E019 of 2026 in connection with Mbobu’s killing.
Sang’s detention is intended to allow investigators to examine the evidence against him and determine the next steps in the proceedings.
DCI cites flight risk, seeks mental assessment
The DCI further argued that Sang posed a flight risk, alleging that he had deserted his workstation after the suspected crimes and gone into hiding before his arrest in Eldoret.
Investigators said the 14-day period would allow them to complete interrogations, record outstanding statements, conduct searches, pursue possible recoveries and process the suspect for charging.
The prosecution also sought permission to have Sang taken to hospital for a mental assessment before plea-taking.
In granting the application, Magistrate Mutai said the allegations were serious and that the additional time would serve the interests of justice.
The court cited the need for interrogation, recording statements, searches, recovery of evidence and a mental assessment.
The investigations into the two killings remain ongoing. Sang is a suspect, and any criminal responsibility must be established through the court process.
