Rose Mbithe Mulwa, one of the suspects in the murder of clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso, is still positioning herself for the 2027 presidential race despite the criminal case now facing her.

Mulwa, also known as Rose Mbithe Ndetei, has previously expressed ambitions to run for president in 2027 after unsuccessfully contesting the Machakos gubernatorial seat in 2022. Her lawyers have said her political ambitions are among the reasons they believe the murder case is politically motivated.

Mulwa and her son Chris Mulwa were arrested in July and detained as detectives investigated the July 29 killing of Dr Mutiso. The prosecution has since moved to charge Mulwa, her son and lawyer Angela Mulwa with murder.

The case has attracted national attention, with investigators stating that the suspects were linked to the killing.

Her political ambitions now place the case in an unusual position, with a woman seeking Kenya’s highest political office facing a serious criminal prosecution at the same time.

Mulwa has rejected the allegations through her lawyers, who have accused the State of unfair treatment and claimed that the case is connected to her political ambitions.

The 2027 presidential race is still taking shape, but Mulwa’s case means her political plans will now unfold alongside a murder prosecution that could have major consequences for her ambitions.