Alex Mutua Kithuka has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the planning and murder of British national Campbell Scott Alistair. The accused appeared before Justice James Wakianga at the Makadara Law Courts and denied involvement in the killing that took place on February 16, 2025, in the Pipeline area of Nairobi County.
During the hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested that the court grant an extension to Mutua’s detention for an additional seven days to allow for continued investigations. The DPP also informed the court that an affidavit opposing Mutua’s release on bail would be filed, with Justice Wakianga ordering that this affidavit be submitted within three days. Additionally, the court directed probation officers to prepare their reports ahead of the next mention of the case.
Earlier developments in the case saw another person of interest, Albunus Mutinda Nzioki, released by Milimani Law Courts Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on March 25, 2025. The release was granted on the condition that Mutinda reports regularly to the police to assist ongoing investigations. The DPP’s legal team emphasized that Mutinda’s cooperation was necessary to help the investigative officer track down two additional suspects believed to be involved in the murder, who remain at large.
According to Sergeant Philip Kilonzo from the Homicide Investigations Department, Campbell Scott Alistair disappeared on February 16, 2025. Subsequent investigations revealed that he was murdered, and his body was found dumped in Makongo Forest, located along the Machakos-Wote Road, on February 21, 2025.
The details of the discovery are particularly gruesome: the victim’s body was tied at the hands and legs, placed inside a green nylon sack, and dumped in a thicket approximately 500 meters from a viewpoint within Makongo Forest. These facts were presented in a court application, underscoring the brutality of the crime.
Further investigations revealed that the victim had been taken to Pipeline, specifically to the home of Alex Mutua, where it is believed the murder took place. The body was later transported and disposed of in Makongo Forest.
In addition to the murder charges, both Mutua and Mutinda have been accused of attempting to withdraw money from the deceased’s bank accounts. These attempts were reportedly made in several locations, including Nairobi, Voi, and Mombasa, suggesting a possible motive linked to financial gain.
The case remains under close scrutiny as the investigation continues. The next court mention has been scheduled for June 17, 2025, when the bail application for Mutua will be heard alongside pre-trial proceedings.
The murder of Campbell Scott Alistair has drawn significant public and media attention, with law enforcement agencies working to ensure justice is served. The ongoing search for additional suspects highlights the complexity of the case and the commitment of investigative officers to uncover all those responsible.
Justice Wakianga’s decisions to extend detention and to require the submission of opposing affidavits demonstrate the court’s cautious approach given the seriousness of the charges. Meanwhile, the conditional release of Albunus Mutinda shows the court’s balancing of investigative needs and individual liberty.
As the case progresses, the focus remains on the thorough gathering of evidence, securing witness cooperation, and ensuring all legal procedures are meticulously followed. The prosecution aims to build a strong case that will hold up through trial, while the defense maintains the accused’s right to a fair hearing.
This case continues to develop, with law enforcement and judicial authorities actively working toward resolution. The community and all stakeholders await the next steps in what has become a high-profile murder investigation.