A new psychiatric report has thrown into uncertainty the Kenyatta National Hospital murder case, finding that the main suspect, Kennedy Kalombotole, is mentally unfit to stand trial or instruct a lawyer.
The latest report contradicts the earlier one from Mbagathi Hospital, issued just two months ago, which had declared him fit to face trial.
Presiding Justice Diana Kavedza, who heard the case Thursday, November 13, said the court ordered the mental assessment following conflicting medical opinions.
State prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that Kalombotole had undergone a second assessment as directed. Justice Kavedza said she received two reports; one prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Owiti, submitted by the defense, and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.
Reading from Dr. Owiti’s report, the judge noted that the psychiatrist concluded Kalombotole suffers from neurological complications.
“Kalombotole is about 30 years old and describes himself as a Nairobi street dweller. Further, he states that in 2022, he found himself hospitalised at Kenyatta National Hospital ICU with problems of neurological disorder and type 1 diabetes mellitus,” Justice Kavedza read.
“He has been accused of a felony that he is not fully aware of, judging by his cognitive bluntness. In view of his cognitive cloudiness, the accused is not fit to plead. Thus, he cannot instruct a lawyer and clearly understand the charge.”
The Ministry of Health report, however, only confirmed that the suspect is under diabetic treatment three times daily but did not conclusively address his mental state.
Justice Kavedza told the court she is still waiting for a third report from KNH. If the hospital’s findings conflict with Dr. Owiti’s assessment, the matter will be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, where a panel of four psychiatrists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
“It is a process, so you need to be patient,” the judge advised. She added that the case will remain pending until a conclusive medical opinion is filed.
The court set December 17, 2025, for mention to review the KNH report.
