A man has been charged with the murder of British businessman Campbell Scott, who mysteriously disappeared while attending a work conference in Nairobi, Kenya, earlier this year. Scott, 58, was last seen on 16 February 2025, leaving the JW Marriott hotel where he was participating in a conference for Fico, a data analytics firm. His family reported him missing after he failed to return, sparking a frantic search that ended a few days later with the grim discovery of his body in Makongo Forest.

On 22 February, the body was found bound and concealed within a sack of pineapples, approximately 60 miles from the hotel. The nature of the discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and raised alarms about safety for foreign visitors in the region. Following an intense investigation, authorities charged Alex Mutua with murder on 17 June. Mutua has pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against him. Prosecutors allege that he, alongside additional accomplices, is believed to have lured Scott into a trap under the guise of a business meeting before committing the crime.

During the investigation, it emerged that detectives suspect financial motives might be involved, notably linked to attempts made to withdraw money from Scott’s credit cards shortly after his disappearance. This theory was bolstered by reports which indicated that Scott may have been misled about the meeting's true purpose. As the case develops, two other suspects remain at large, and one individual previously sought by police tragically died by suicide in March, highlighting the potential desperation surrounding those involved.

Authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), are treating this case as one of considerable complexity, a fact reinforced by a spokesperson for the National Police Service, who described Scott’s murder as a “heinous, heinous crime.” They have expressed confidence that more suspects will be captured as investigations proceed. Interpol has also been brought into the fold, offering assistance in tracking down those who remain elusive.

Scott’s family and workplace are reeling from the tragedy. A spokesperson for Fico stated that the company was “devastated by this tragic news,” highlighting Scott's positive spirit and kindness. His husband, Simon Farrar, announced plans for a memorial service to honour Scott's memory, emphasising the profound loss felt by his loved ones and the community both in the UK and abroad.

Nairobi, once a burgeoning hub for business, now faces scrutiny concerning the safety and security of its foreign guests. As the investigation into Campbell Scott's murder continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can accompany international travel, particularly in regions with existing security concerns. The quest for justice, both for Scott’s memory and for the safety of others, remains ongoing as investigators pursue leads and seek further clarity in this tragic case.

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Source: Noah Wire Services