Three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of mental health researcher Dr Victoria Mutiso have been detained for 30 days as investigators continue to piece together circumstances surrounding her death.
The court granted police more time to hold the suspects, allowing detectives to complete investigations before deciding whether to charge them with murder.
The development comes as authorities intensify efforts to establish what happened to Dr Mutiso and identify all those who may have been involved in her death.
The suspects were presented before the court as investigators sought additional time to conduct crucial inquiries.
Police argued that releasing them before the investigations were complete could interfere with the process, including the collection of evidence and interviewing of witnesses.
The court subsequently allowed the suspects to remain in custody for 30 days, giving investigators additional time to conclude their work.
Dr Mutiso's death has attracted significant attention, particularly because of her work in mental health research and her professional contribution to the field. Her death has also raised questions about the circumstances leading to her killing and the events that occurred before she was found dead.
Investigators are expected to examine several aspects of the case, including the movements of the suspects, their communication records and their possible connection to the deceased.
Detectives may also rely on forensic evidence, witness statements and other information gathered during the investigation.
The 30-day detention period is expected to give police an opportunity to establish a clearer timeline of events. Investigators are also likely to determine whether the three suspects acted together or whether other individuals could have been involved.
Authorities have continued to appeal for information from members of the public that could assist in the investigation. Such information could help detectives understand Dr Mutiso's final movements and establish how she ended up in the circumstances that led to her death.
The detention of the suspects does not amount to a finding of guilt. Under Kenyan law, a person arrested in connection with a crime remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The case is therefore expected to proceed as investigators gather additional evidence and determine the appropriate charges. The prosecution will ultimately have to demonstrate that there is sufficient evidence to support any murder charges brought against the suspects.
The court's decision to allow the extended detention highlights the complexity of the investigation. Murder cases often require investigators to establish not only how a victim died but also the circumstances surrounding the death, the identities of those responsible and the possible motive.
As the investigation continues, attention is likely to remain focused on the evidence being collected by detectives and whether it will lead to further arrests or charges.
Dr Mutiso's family, colleagues and members of the mental health community are expected to await further developments as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
For now, the three suspects will remain in custody for the 30-day period granted by the court, while investigators work to complete their inquiries.
Their next appearance will be closely watched as the authorities decide whether to charge them formally and proceed with the prosecution.
The case remains under investigation, with detectives expected to provide further information as the process advances.