NAIROBI, Kenya – A new psychiatric assessment has declared Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, mentally unfit to stand trial, raising fresh uncertainty over the high-profile case.
The development comes just two months after a separate evaluation at Mbagathi Hospital found Kalombotole fit to face court proceedings.
During a hearing on Thursday, November 13, Justice Diana Kavedza was informed that a fresh mental assessment had been conducted following conflicting earlier reports.
State prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that the suspect underwent the evaluation as directed by the court.
Justice Kavedza revealed she had received two reports: one submitted by the defence and prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Owiti, and another by a Ministry of Health clinical officer.
Dr. Owiti’s findings indicate that Kalombotole suffers from neurological complications and is unable to fully understand the charges against him.
“Kalombotole is about 30 years old and describes himself as a Nairobi street dweller. In 2022, he was hospitalised at KNH ICU with neurological issues and type 1 diabetes mellitus,” the judge read. “He has been accused of a felony that he is not fully aware of. In view of his cognitive cloudiness, the accused is not fit to plead, cannot instruct a lawyer, and clearly does not understand the charge.”
The Ministry of Health report, meanwhile, confirmed that Kalombotole is undergoing diabetic treatment three times a day but did not provide a conclusive position on his mental fitness.
Justice Kavedza noted that the court is still awaiting a third report from KNH. If it contradicts Dr. Owiti’s findings, the matter will be referred 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. The case has been scheduled for mention on December 17, 2025, to await the KNH report.
Kalombotole, who has been charged in connection with the deaths of two patients at KNH in February and July 2025, has seen the case repeatedly delayed due to questions about his mental health.
The case has also raised concerns about potential bias, with the family of one victim questioning whether KNH can provide an impartial assessment, given that the alleged incidents occurred on 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, representing one of the victim’s families.
