The man accused of killing British national Campbell Scott has denied the charge in court. Alex Mutua appeared before a Nairobi judge on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to murder.
Scott, a businessman from the UK, went missing in mid-February. His decomposing body was later found in Makongo Forest, about 100 kilometres southeast of the capital. He had last been seen in Nairobi on 16 February, reportedly after agreeing to meet with associates for a business discussion.
Mutua, who stood before Justice James Wakiaga, was charged with murdering Scott “alongside others not before the court,” according to the official charge sheet.
The prosecution has asked the court to deny him bail, citing concerns about flight risk and interference with investigations. Justice Wakiaga instructed the prosecution to file its affidavit formally within three days. The court also ordered a pre-bail report to be completed in the next 21 days.
Mutua is due back in court on 17 June for a pre-trial hearing and for the court to consider the bail application.
A Mysterious Disappearance
Campbell Scott’s disappearance was first reported on 17 February. He had been living in Nairobi and is believed to have been lured to a meeting in the city’s Pipeline area before he vanished. His body was discovered days later in Makongo Forest in Makueni County.
Police believe the killing was premeditated.
One of the key suspects, Samuel Musembi Kamitu, reportedly took his own life in dramatic fashion. Authorities say Kamitu tried to ingest poison and then stabbed himself after being cornered by police in the Dandora estate, a residential area in Nairobi.
Two other men, named by police as Alphonse Munyao Kilewa (also known as Edu) and Bernard Mbunga Mbusu, are still on the run.
Investigations Ongoing
Police say Mutua and another suspect, Albunus Mutinda Nzioki, are currently helping with the investigation. Details of their possible roles in the case remain unclear, but investigators say they are central to piecing together Scott’s final hours.
The motive for the killing has not been publicly confirmed, though sources close to the investigation suggest it may have been tied to a business dispute.
The British High Commission in Nairobi has not commented publicly on the case, though it is understood that they are in contact with Kenyan authorities and Scott’s family.
As the investigation continues, the court has urged media and the public to avoid spreading speculation. Justice Wakiaga reminded all parties of the importance of letting the legal process take its course.
Scott’s death has shocked both local and international communities. As one Nairobi resident, who knew him casually through business circles, said: “He was a polite man, always respectful. We never imagined something like this could happen.”
The case continues to unfold, but for now, the question of who killed Campbell Scott — and why — remains unanswered.
