KNH Murder Suspect Declared Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial

 

By Emmaculate Cheruto 

 The main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, Kennedy Kalombotole, has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial, raising new uncertainty over the progress of the high-profile case.

A fresh psychiatric evaluation presented before Justice Diana Kavedza on Thursday found that Kalombotole is unable to comprehend the charges against him or instruct a lawyer. The report, prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Owiti, contradicts an earlier assessment by Mbagathi Hospital which found the suspect fit to stand trial.

When the matter came up for mention, State Prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that the suspect had undergone the evaluation as directed by the court following the earlier conflicting medical reports.

Justice Kavedza noted that she had received two reports — one by Dr. Owiti and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.

Reading excerpts from Dr. Owiti’s findings, the judge said the psychiatrist concluded that Kalombotole suffers from neurological complications that impair his cognitive abilities.

“Kalombotole is about 30 years old and describes himself as a Nairobi street dweller. He stated that in 2022, he was hospitalized at Kenyatta National Hospital ICU with neurological disorders and Type 1 diabetes mellitus,” the judge read from the report.

 

“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, and thus cannot instruct a lawyer or clearly understand the charge.”

The Ministry of Health report confirmed that the suspect is currently undergoing diabetes treatment three times a day but did not conclusively address his mental fitness.

Justice Kavedza told the court that a third psychiatric report from KNH is still pending. She further indicated that if the hospital’s findings contradict Dr. Owiti’s opinion, the matter will be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital for a comprehensive evaluation by a panel of four psychiatrists.

“It is a process, so you need to be patient,” the judge told both parties, adding that the case will remain pending until a conclusive assessment is received.

The case will be mentioned again on December 17, 2025, to await the KNH report.