The bail ruling for seven people accused of murdering psychiatrist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso will be delivered on December 3, 2026, after the High Court postponed its decision to allow probation officers to complete pre-bail reports.
Justice Alexander Muteti set the new date after the Probation Department informed the court that it was still collecting information required to prepare reports on the seven accused persons.
The department told the court that it had sent inquiries to Machakos, Bomet and Baringo counties to establish the accused persons' social backgrounds and obtain information from their respective communities.
A probation officer explained that although some interviews had been conducted, feedback from the three counties was still pending, alongside information from some police officers and other relevant parties.
The officer told the court that the department had completed consultations with senior police officers but was yet to obtain community-level information from areas where the accused persons come from.
The department consequently requested an additional two weeks to complete the reports, which are expected to guide the court in determining whether the accused persons should be released on bail pending trial.
The judge emphasised that pre-bail reports play an important role in the court's decision-making process, warning the probation officers against further delays.
The court directed the department to ensure all seven reports are filed by November 16, 2026, giving the officers a final deadline before the December ruling.
The judge cautioned that the department should use all available means to obtain the required information once directed to prepare a report, warning that it would not entertain another request for an extension.
The December 3 ruling will determine whether Rose Mbithe Mulwa, her children Angela Mulwa and Chris Mulwa, and four other accused persons will be released on bail as they await the hearing and determination of the murder case.
The case relates to the fatal shooting of Dr Mutiso, a psychiatrist, on July 29, 2026, along Mawensi Road in Kilimani, Nairobi County. Her killing prompted investigations that led to the arrest and prosecution of the seven suspects charged with jointly murdering Dr Mutiso.
The other accused persons are Police Constable Elijah Kibelion Kimoi, Maritim Kimutai, also known as Kim, Police Constable Collins Bett Kiplangat and Pius Muiru Mbugua, alias Headboy. They have all pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
The prosecution has opposed their release, citing concerns including possible interference with witnesses, some of whom are reportedly known to the accused persons.
The prosecution has also raised concerns about the possibility of collusion and the destruction of evidence if the accused persons are released.
The court's decision on December 3 will therefore determine the accused persons' custody status as the murder proceedings continue.
