A new psychiatric report has found that Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, is mentally unfit to stand trial and unable to instruct a lawyer, casting fresh uncertainty over the case’s progress.
The report comes just two months after another one by Mbagathi hospital found him fit to stand trial.
When the matter came up before Justice Diana Kavedza on Thursday, November 13, the court was informed that a new mental assessment had been ordered following earlier conflicting findings.
State prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that the suspect had been taken for evaluation as directed.
Justice Kavedza noted that she received two reports—one prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Doctor Frederick Owiti, filed by his defence, and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.
Reading excerpts from Dr. Owiti’s findings, the judge noted that the psychiatrist had 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,” she 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, on the other hand, confirmed that the suspect is undergoing diabetic treatment three times a day but did not conclusively address his mental fitness.
Justice Kavedza said the court was still awaiting a third report from KNH.
She indicated that if the hospital’s findings contradict the private psychiatrist’s opinion, she will refer the matter to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital for a panel evaluation by four psychiatrists.
“It is a process, so you need to be patient,” the judge told both parties, adding that the case would remain pending until a conclusive assessment is received.
The court fixed the matter for mention on December 17, 2025, to await the KNH report.
The latest report contrasts with an earlier assessment that found Kalombotole fit to stand trial.
In September 2025, the prosecution had informed the court of a mental evaluation conducted at Mbagathi Hospital, which concluded that the accused was mentally sound and ready to plead.
At the time, however, the defence contested that position, saying the test had been incomplete and lacked depth on how the conclusion was reached.
The judge later directed that a fresh examination be conducted after questions arose about its accuracy.
The KNH murder case dates back to alleged incidents that occurred in February and July 2025, where the suspect was arrested in connection with the death of two patients at the national referral hospital.
The case has since faced repeated delays owing to medical assessments and questions over his mental fitness.
Notably, one of the victim’s sides has raised questions on whether the hospital could provide an impartial assessment given that the alleged offences occurred within its premises.
“It is perhaps not the best institution to guide the court on the wellness of the accused, considering the offence was allegedly committed there,” said lawyer James Maina for one of the victim’s family.
by JAMES GICHIGI
