A new psychiatric evaluation has found that Kennedy Kalombotole, the prime suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, is mentally unfit to stand trial or instruct a lawyer, raising new concerns over the future of the case.
The latest findings contradict an earlier report issued two months ago by Mbagathi Hospital, which had declared him fit to face trial.
When the matter was mentioned before Justice Diana Kavedza on Thursday, November 13, the court was informed that a fresh mental assessment had been ordered due to the conflicting medical opinions.
State prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that the suspect underwent another evaluation as directed by the court.
Justice Kavedza said she had received two reports: one prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Owiti and filed by the defence, and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.
Reading from Dr. Owiti’s findings, the judge noted that the psychiatrist concluded Kalombotole suffers from neurological complications that impair his ability to comprehend the charges against him.
“Kalombotole, who is about 30 years old and describes himself as a street dweller in Nairobi, said he was hospitalised at KNH’s ICU in 2022 for neurological complications and type 1 diabetes,” Justice Kavedza read from the report.
“He has been accused of a felony he is not fully aware of, judging by his cognitive bluntness. In view of his mental condition, he is not fit to plead and cannot properly instruct a lawyer.”
The Ministry of Health report confirmed that the suspect is on diabetic treatment administered three times daily but did not conclusively address his mental state.
Justice Kavedza said the court is awaiting a third report from KNH, which is expected to provide a clearer position. She added that if KNH’s findings differ from Dr. Owiti’s opinion, the matter will be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital for assessment by a panel of four psychiatrists.
“This is a process, and patience is required,” the judge told both sides, noting that the case will remain pending until the court receives all medical reports.
The matter will be mentioned again on December 17, 2025, to await the KNH report.
The new evaluation marks a significant shift from the earlier Mbagathi Hospital assessment, which in September 2025 found Kalombotole mentally fit to stand trial. The defence later disputed that report, arguing that it was inconclusive and lacked depth.
Following those concerns, the court ordered a comprehensive re-examination to verify the suspect’s mental status.
The KNH murder case stems from incidents that allegedly took place in February and July 2025, in which Kalombotole was arrested in connection with the deaths of two patients at the national referral hospital.
The case has faced repeated delays as courts await consistent medical findings about his mental condition.
One of the victims’ families has also questioned whether KNH can provide an impartial evaluation, given that the alleged crimes occurred within the same facility.
“It may not be the most suitable institution to assess the accused, considering the offence is alleged to have taken place there,” said lawyer James Maina, who represents one of the victim’s relatives.
