Multimedia University (MMU) first-year student Eric Mutinda, the prime suspect in the grisly murder of Sylvia Kemunto, has been declared mentally fit to stand trial, clearing a major hurdle in the highly publicized case.
A fresh psychiatric evaluation conducted at Mbagathi Hospital found Mutinda to be of sound mind, contradicting an earlier assessment by doctors at Mathari Mental Hospital which had deemed him unfit for trial.
The new report presented to the court confirmed that Mutinda fully understands the charges against him and is capable of participating in legal proceedings.
The development now sets the stage for the resumption of the trial, with the prosecution expected to begin presenting its evidence against the accused, who is facing murder charges stemming from an incident that shocked the country with its brutality.
The case has gripped the public’s attention, not only for the heinous nature of the crime but also for the back-and-forth over Mutinda’s mental state.
Kemunto’s family and friends have persistently called for justice, voicing disappointment over previous delays linked to psychiatric evaluations.
The matter will be mentioned before the trial court for further directions on the next hearing date.
Written by Were Kelly
