KNH murder case: Court considers South Africa psychiatric evaluation for suspect

Kennedy Kalombotole, the key suspect in the murder of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital in court on July 24, 2025/FILE

The Kibera High Court is considering referring Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder suspect Kennedy Kalombotole to South Africa for further psychiatric evaluation.

The court made the observation after being presented with conflicting psychiatric reports regarding Kalombotole’s mental condition, with one assessment declaring him unfit to plead while another found him fit to stand trial.

The KNH murder case dates back to alleged incidents that occurred in February and July 2025, where the suspect was arrested in connection with the death of two patients at the national referral hospital.

The case has since faced repeated delays owing to medical assessments and questions over his mental fitness.

The suspect is yet to take plea for nearly a year since his first arraignment.

During proceedings on Thursday, the court noted that one of the reports filed from Kenyatta National Hospital indicated that the suspect was mentally unwell and required prolonged observation and treatment before a proper assessment could be made.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) proposed that Kalombotole undergoes a fresh examination before a three-member psychiatric panel at Mathari Hospital to conclusively determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.

The prosecution argued that the contradictory medical assessments currently before the court made it necessary for an independent and comprehensive evaluation to be conducted.

The judge agreed with the proposal, noting that the court could not proceed with the matter while faced with inconsistent psychiatric findings.

The court observed that the suspect would require extended observation to enable specialists to properly evaluate his mental condition before any plea can be taken.

"He needs an observation for quite some time for the doctors to properly examine him," the judge said.

The judge further stated that should the three psychiatrists fail to arrive at a unanimous position regarding Kalombotole’s mental fitness, the court may consider referring him outside the country for further assessment, including in South Africa.

"If we do not agree to the three we will take him to South Africa," Lawyers representing victims in the matter supported the proposal for a fresh psychiatric examination but urged the court to ensure the process is concluded without unnecessary delays.

The victims’ representatives told the court that the contradictory reports had created uncertainty over the case.

"We pray for finality of this matter. I now have two contradictory reports, one saying he is unfit and another saying he is fit,” counsel for the victims submitted.

The court directed that Kalombotole be examined by the psychiatric panel and scheduled the matter for mention on July 24, 2026 to review the findings and issue further directions.