KNH Murder Suspect Kalombotole Declared Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial – New Psychiatric Report
A new psychiatric assessment has found that Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, is mentally unfit to stand trial—casting fresh uncertainty over the long-delayed proceedings.
The latest report, tabled before Justice Diana Kavedza on Thursday, November 13, concluded that Kalombotole suffers from neurological complications that impair his cognitive abilities, rendering him incapable of instructing legal counsel or fully understanding the charges against him.
The revelation marks a significant departure from an earlier evaluation conducted by Mbagathi Hospital two months ago, which had found the accused fit to stand trial.
Court Confirms Conflicting Medical Opinions
During Thursday’s court session, State Prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi informed Justice Kavedza that the accused had undergone a new mental assessment following concerns raised over previous conflicting findings.
Justice Kavedza told the court that she had received two reports—one from consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Owiti, filed through the defence, and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.
Reading excerpts from Dr. Owiti’s findings, the judge said the specialist had determined that Kalombotole, believed to be around 30 years old, was suffering from serious neurological complications.
“Kalombotole 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 from the report.
The psychiatrist added that due to his “cognitive bluntness,” the accused could not comprehend the nature of the charges brought against him.
“In view of his cognitive cloudiness, the accused is not fit to plead. Thus, he cannot instruct a lawyer and clearly understand the charge,” Dr. Owiti concluded.
By contrast, the Ministry of Health report confirmed that Kalombotole is currently undergoing diabetic treatment three times a day but did not conclusively address his mental competence.
Judge Orders Further Evaluation
Justice Kavedza noted that the court is still awaiting a third report from Kenyatta National Hospital, which is expected to clarify the conflicting opinions.
She stated that if the KNH report contradicts Dr. Owiti’s findings, the matter will be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital for an independent evaluation by a panel of four psychiatrists.
“It is a process, so you need to be patient,” the judge advised both parties, emphasising that the case would remain pending until a conclusive medical opinion is obtained.
The court subsequently scheduled the case for mention on December 17, 2025, to await the KNH report.
Background to the KNH Murder Case
The KNH murder case dates back to alleged incidents that occurred between February and July 2025, when Kalombotole was arrested in connection with the deaths of two patients at Kenya’s largest referral hospital.
The prosecution had initially relied on a September 2025 report from Mbagathi Hospital, which declared the suspect mentally sound and ready to plead. However, the defence contested those findings, arguing that the evaluation was “incomplete and lacked scientific depth.”
The court later ordered a fresh assessment after questions emerged over the accuracy of the initial examination.
Since then, the case has faced repeated delays due to the suspect’s fluctuating health status and ongoing medical evaluations, raising concerns among the victims’ families.
Concerns Over KNH’s Role
One of the victims’ representatives, lawyer James Maina, questioned whether Kenyatta National Hospital could provide an impartial report, given that the alleged offences occurred within the facility itself.
“It is perhaps not the best institution to guide the court on the wellness of the accused, considering the offence was allegedly committed there,” Maina told the court.
The repeated delays and conflicting assessments have left the high-profile case in limbo, with the court now relying on the forthcoming KNH report to determine whether Kalombotole is fit to face trial.
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KNH Murder Suspect Kalombotole Declared Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial – New Psychiatric Report