KNH murder suspect Kennedy Kalombotole in Kibera High Court proceedings on July 29, 2025/JAMES GICHIGI
A Nairobi court has ordered a mental assessment for Kennedy Kalombotole, the prime suspect in the murder of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
This is after he declined to speak during his first appearance in the High Court in the murder case—despite police alleging he is capable of verbal communication.
Kalombotole, who is set to face murder charges over incidents that occurred in February and July 2025, appeared physically composed in the dock before Justice Diana Kavedza, but remained unresponsive.
His defence told the court he does not verbalise, and that earlier orders issued under the Chief Magistrate’s file for a mental evaluation at Mbagathi Hospital had not yet been implemented.
Prosecutor Gichuhi acknowledged that the mental evaluation had yet to be conducted and requested that fresh directions be issued to enable the state to proceed with formal charges.
The state counsel also indicated its intention to charge the accused with murder, pending confirmation of his mental fitness to stand trial.
“We seek directions for a mental assessment to be conducted, and in the meantime, that the suspect be remanded at Nairobi Industrial Area Remand Prison to determine whether he is fit to take plea.”
Adding to the courtroom intrigue, a police officer, identified as Mang’ware believed to be part of the officers handling the suspect’s custody, told the court that Kalombotole is, in fact, able to speak and has done so previously while in remand.
This contradiction raised questions from the bench, with Justice Kavedza noting that while the accused is not obligated to speak, his declining to respond at all was puzzling.
"Apparently, the police, along with others, now claim that he can speak. While he is not obliged to say anything, his cooperation would have made matters easier,” the judge observed.
The court subsequently ordered that Kalombotole be escorted to Mbagathi Hospital for a mental evaluation, reaffirming similar directives previously issued by the magistrate’s court.
Upon completion of the process, the judge ordered that he be detained at Nairobi Remand Prison in the meantime.
Justice Kavedza also directed that he receive special care due to his diabetic condition, including administration of injections under supervision, while prohibiting him from personally handling any needles.
The court set the next mention for September 22, allowing for the possibility that the mental assessment report may not be ready due to the court recess.
The findings of the evaluation will determine whether Kalombotole is fit to take a plea in the KNH murder cases.
