Detectives have launched a homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, a renowned Kenyan clinical psychologist and mental health researcher, in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that homicide detectives and forensic experts had taken over the case, describing the incident as a tragic loss while assuring the public that every effort was being made to establish what happened and bring those responsible to justice.
The agency also conveyed its condolences to Dr. Mutiso’s family, friends and colleagues.
DCI begins homicide investigation
According to the DCI, police officers and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel responded immediately after receiving the report, securing and processing the scene before collecting forensic evidence for analysis.
Detectives also interviewed witnesses and visited the medical facility where Dr. Mutiso had been rushed following the shooting.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the researcher had requested an Uber ride shortly before she sustained fatal gunshot injuries under circumstances that remain under active investigation.
The DCI said investigators are pursuing several leads, including following up on persons of investigative interest, as they work to reconstruct the events leading to the shooting.
Authorities urged members of the public to avoid speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The agency also appealed to anyone with information that may assist investigators to report it through the nearest police station or anonymously via its official reporting channels.
Distinguished mental health researcher
Dr. Mutiso was widely recognised as one of Kenya’s leading mental health researchers and clinical psychologists.
She served as Head of Research and Administration at the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB), where she led numerous research programmes focusing on child and adolescent mental health, community-based interventions, substance use disorders and the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare systems.
Over more than a decade, she collaborated with local and international institutions on projects funded by organisations including the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Grand Challenges Canada and several universities across Africa, Europe and North America.
Her work also focused on youth mental health, homelessness, severe mental illness, parenting interventions and dementia research in Africa. She was among the region’s most published mental health researchers, contributing extensively to peer-reviewed scientific journals and international policy discussions.
Earlier this month, Dr. Mutiso presented research at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 in London on dementia knowledge and attitudes in Kenya, reflecting her continued involvement in global mental health research.
Shock across research community
News of her death has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s medical and research fraternity, with colleagues describing her as a respected scientist whose work significantly advanced mental health policy, research and clinical practice.
Dr. Mutiso was involved in several major studies examining depression, psychosis, suicide prevention, adolescent mental health, resilience and community-based mental healthcare across Kenya and other African countries.
Her research has informed mental health interventions in schools, communities and healthcare facilities, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Investigation continues
The fatal shooting comes amid renewed concern over violent crime in parts of Nairobi, particularly incidents involving armed attacks targeting motorists and pedestrians.
However, investigators have not indicated whether the shooting was linked to robbery, targeted violence or any other motive, saying it is too early to conclude before forensic analysis and witness interviews are completed.
The DCI said homicide detectives would continue analysing forensic evidence and pursuing all investigative leads before determining the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Police have appealed to members of the public with any relevant information to assist investigators as efforts continue to identify and arrest those responsible.
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