KNH Murder Suspect Declared Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial

A new psychiatric evaluation has declared Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital murder case, mentally unfit to stand trial, halting proceedings and contradicting an earlier medical report.

Appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza on Thursday, the court received two conflicting psychiatric assessments. The first, prepared by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Frederick Owiti on behalf of the defence, found that Kalombotole suffers from neurological complications that impair his ability to understand the charges or communicate with his lawyers. 

Dr Owiti reported that the 30-year-old, who identifies as a street dweller in Nairobi, was previously admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital’s intensive care unit in 2022 for neurological disorders and type 1 diabetes. His condition was described as showing “cognitive bluntness” and “cloudiness.”

A second report from a Ministry of Health clinical officer confirmed that Kalombotole is receiving regular treatment for diabetes but did not make a conclusive statement on his mental state. Justice Kavedza noted that the court is still waiting for a third evaluation from Kenyatta National Hospital. 

If that report differs from Dr Owiti’s findings, she said the matter would be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, where a panel of four psychiatrists would conduct a full assessment. The case has already faced repeated delays. 

In September, a psychiatric report from Mbagathi Hospital found Kalombotole mentally fit to stand trial, but the defence challenged the assessment, claiming it lacked depth and failed to consider his medical history. The court then ordered further examinations to address the inconsistencies in medical opinions.

Kalombotole is charged with the deaths of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital in separate incidents reported in February and July this year. His trial has been postponed several times as the court seeks to determine whether he can meaningfully participate in the proceedings.

Some relatives of the victims have expressed concern about Kenyatta National Hospital conducting the next evaluation, noting its involvement in the case. Lawyer James Maina, representing one of the families, questioned whether the hospital could be considered impartial.

The matter has been scheduled for mention on 17 December, when the court expects to receive the KNH report.