By Andrew Kariuki
The High Court has ordered a fresh psychiatric assessment for Kennedy Kalombotole, the 29 year old man accused of killing two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), after conflicting medical reports emerged on his mental fitness to stand trial.
Appearing virtually before Justice Diana Kavedza, the court heard that forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Owiti had concluded that Kalombotole was unfit to plead, citing severe cognitive impairment linked to grand mal epilepsy and Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
In his detailed report dated November 4, 2025, Dr. Owiti stated that the accused was unable to comprehend the charges or instruct counsel, describing his condition as marked by “cognitive bluntness” and “mental cluelessness.”
However, the court was also presented with a separate medical report from a Ministry of Health clinical officer, which confirmed that the accused was undergoing diabetes treatment three times daily but did not provide a psychiatric opinion.
Justice Kavedza said the court will now await an official report from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to reconcile the conflicting opinions. Should the KNH findings contradict Dr. Owiti’s assessment, the matter will be referred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, where a panel of four psychiatrists will conduct a final evaluation.
“It is a process, so you need to be patient,” Justice Kavedza told the parties, emphasizing that the court must rely on consistent expert opinions before determining the way forward.
The court noted that an earlier evaluation from Mbagathi Hospital had found the accused fit to stand trial, creating the first point of contradiction.
Defense counsel Mr. Cheruiyot, appearing alongside Mr. Ombegi, supported Dr. Owiti’s report, arguing that their client was mentally incapable of understanding the proceedings. The prosecution, represented by State Counsel Mr. Mwai, confirmed that the KNH report is expected soon and will be shared with the homicide division once received.
Kalombotole, who has been in custody since July 2025, is accused of murdering two patients at KNH’s general ward, a case that has drawn national attention due to the shocking circumstances of the killings and his own medical background.
The matter will be mentioned on December 17, 2025, virtually, for submission of the pending KNH psychiatric report.
