A fresh psychiatric report has declared that Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, is mentally unfit to stand trial and cannot instruct his lawyer, raising new uncertainty about when the case will proceed.
The report marks a sharp contrast to an earlier evaluation conducted two months ago at Mbagathi Hospital, which had found Kalombotole fit to face trial. The conflicting findings have now complicated the progress of the case, which has already faced multiple delays.
When the matter came before Justice Diana Kavedza on Thursday, November 13, the court was informed that a new mental evaluation had been ordered to resolve the discrepancies between the two reports. State prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that the accused had undergone the assessment as instructed by the court.
Justice Kavedza told the court she had received two reports—one prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Doctor Frederick Owiti, filed by the defence, and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.
Reading parts of Dr. Owiti’s findings, the judge noted that the psychiatrist had diagnosed Kalombotole with 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’s report, however, only confirmed that Kalombotole is on diabetic treatment three times a day but did not give a clear position on his mental capacity. Justice Kavedza said the court is awaiting a third assessment from Kenyatta National Hospital, which is expected to provide a conclusive position.
She added that if the KNH findings differ from Dr. Owiti’s report, 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 said, noting that the case will remain pending until a final decision is made.
The court scheduled the matter for mention on December 17, 2025, to await the KNH report.
The latest development reverses an earlier position taken in September 2025, when the prosecution informed the court that a mental test carried out at Mbagathi Hospital found Kalombotole mentally sound and ready to plead. The defence disputed that conclusion, saying the examination was incomplete and lacked detailed analysis, prompting the judge to order a new evaluation.
The murder case stems from incidents alleged to have taken place at Kenyatta National Hospital in February and July 2025, where Kalombotole was arrested in connection with the deaths of two patients. The matter has since experienced several postponements due to medical assessments and questions over the suspect’s mental health.
One of the victim’s families has also raised concern over whether KNH can provide an independent assessment since the alleged crimes occurred at the same institution. “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, who represents one of the victims’ relatives.
As the court awaits the final medical report, the future of the case remains uncertain, with all proceedings on hold until a clear determination is made on the suspect’s mental fitness.
