Court Seeks Clarity on KNH Murder Suspect’s Mental Fitness as Reports Clash

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 Dispute over KNH suspect’s mental fitness delays trial proceedings

The High Court has ordered a fresh psychiatric evaluation for Kennedy Kalombotole, the 29-year-old man accused of killing two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), after earlier assessments gave conflicting conclusions on his fitness to stand trial.

This follows a psychiatrist’s report today stating that Kalombotole was unfit to stand trial, contradicting a previous assessment conducted by KNH that showed he was fit for trial.

In a report presented in court before Justice Diana Kavedza of the Kibera Law Courts, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick R. Owitti declared Kalombotole unfit to plead due to cognitive impairments linked to chronic illnesses, including Grand-Mal Epilepsy and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

In his November 4, 2025, report, Dr. Owitti noted that Kalombotole could not understand the charges or instruct a lawyer.

"After examining Kalombotole for one and a half hours at the Industrial Area Remand Prison, I found the accused unable to understand the charges or instruct a lawyer," stated Owitti in his report.

The court heard on Thursday, November 13, that a new mental assessment had been commissioned to resolve discrepancies between earlier reports.

Justice Kavedza said she had received two separate reports, one from Dr. Owitti, submitted by the defence, and another from a Ministry of Health clinical officer.

Suspect Kennedy Kalombotole during a court proceeding in Kibera law courts 
 Photo/Reporter.

Justice Kavedza added that the court is awaiting a third report from KNH. Should this report contradict Dr. Owitti’s findings, the matter will be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, where a panel of four psychiatrists will conduct a conclusive evaluation.

"It is a process, so you need to be patient," Justice Kavedza told both parties, noting that the case will remain pending until all expert opinions are received.

Lawyer James Maina, representing one of the victims’ families, raised concerns over KNH’s neutrality in conducting the tests, citing a potential conflict of interest since the alleged offences occurred at the hospital.

Kennedy Kalombotole, a suspect in the 2025 murders of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), had no identity documents and had previously been admitted to KNH for medical conditions, including diabetes and convulsions. 

After his arrest in July 2025, he was placed under medical supervision due to ongoing health concerns.

The case is set for mention on December 17, 2025, when the court will receive the pending KNH report.

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