Sylvia Kemunto murder suspect pleads not guilty, leaving the Multimedia University community reeling in shock and grief. Philip Eric Mutinda, a first-year Electrical Engineering student, stands accused of killing fellow student Sylvia Kemunto and hiding her body in a rooftop water tank.
The 21-year-old’s death, allegedly linked to a violent breakup, has triggered nationwide outrage and reignited protests over Kenya’s rising femicide cases.
As the trial begins, chilling details from the investigation continue to surface, deepening public calls for swift justice and urgent action against gender-based violence.
Sylvia Kemunto Murder Suspect Faces Chilling Accusations in Court
In a tense courtroom session on Thursday at the Kibera Law Courts, Philip Mutinda stood before High Court Judge Diana Kavedza and denied killing Sylvia Kemunto. The young man appeared calm but emotionless as the murder charge was read to him.
According to the prosecution, Mutinda and Kemunto were in a romantic relationship that ended days before her death. Investigators say the two argued inside Mutinda’s hostel room, where he allegedly strangled her. A green suitcase later found in his room matched eyewitness descriptions, and forensic evidence tied him to the crime scene.
After the murder, prosecutors believe Mutinda carried Kemunto’s body up to the rooftop and stuffed it inside the campus water tank. Her remains were discovered on March 30, 2025, after a foul odor prompted a search. A post-mortem confirmed she had died from strangulation and suffered blunt force trauma to the head.
State prosecutor Peris Maina strongly opposed bail. She told the court that Mutinda attempted to flee after the murder and had contacted at least one witness with intentions to escape into Tanzania.
“This is a serious case. The accused not only fled the university but tried to interfere with witnesses. Releasing him could disrupt public peace,” said Maina.
Justice Kavedza ordered the defence team to respond to the prosecution’s objections within a week. A ruling on whether Mutinda will be granted bond is expected after both sides make their submissions.
Meanwhile, the court has set June 23 and 24 as the first two trial dates, with two additional dates to follow. The prosecution intends to call 19 witnesses to testify, including nine fellow MMU students, some of whom lived with or near Mutinda.
Sylvia Kemunto Murder Suspect Remains in Custody as Public Outrage Grows
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. Student leaders, women’s rights activists, and relatives of Kemunto demanded swift justice. “Sylvia was not just a student—she was a daughter, a sister, and a friend. What happened to her could happen to any of us,” said one MMU student leader.
The murder has reignited nationwide protests. On December 10, 2024, and again on January 27, 2025, thousands across at least 11 counties took to the streets demanding an end to femicide and gender-based violence. Many now view the case as a litmus test for how seriously the justice system treats crimes against women.
Prosecutor Maina referenced the protests as part of her argument against bail. “This case is not happening in a vacuum. The country is watching. The public deserves to see justice,” she said.
Mutinda’s defence team remained tight-lipped after the court appearance, only confirming that they will file a response soon.
Justice for Sylvia Kemunto Hinges on Eyewitness Testimony
The trial is expected to rely heavily on testimony from MMU students. Among the 19 witnesses, key figures include Mutinda’s roommate and several classmates who may have seen or heard the couple arguing prior to the murder.
One witness reportedly told police that Mutinda was seen carrying the green suitcase up the hostel stairs the night Kemunto disappeared. Another classmate said Mutinda looked “disturbed” in the days following the murder and abruptly left campus.
For investigators, the timeline is crucial. CCTV footage from the hostel corridors is under review, and police believe it may help corroborate witness accounts.
Meanwhile, MMU has increased security measures on campus and offered grief counseling to students. A memorial for Kemunto is planned ahead of the trial, with students calling for reforms to protect women on campus.
As the legal process unfolds, many are left asking how a promising young woman’s life was ended so violently—and whether Kenya’s courts will deliver the justice Sylvia Kemunto deserves.
