By Andrew Kariuki
A Nairobi court has directed that a man accused in a criminal case undergo a mental evaluation before his trial proceeds.
The accused, who identified himself as Ibrahim Kidero alias Mureithi, told the court that he is a matatu driver and traders at Umoja Market could confirm his occupation. He further stated that he does not possess a national identification card, explaining that he was supposed to obtain one after completing a seven-year sentence at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
The man also gave his age as 20 years. In court, he appeared unsettled and told the magistrate that since he had denied the charges, he was prepared to return to Kamiti.
Observing his demeanor, the magistrate said the accused did not seem mentally fit to stand trial and ordered that he undergo a mental assessment. The judge emphasized that the evaluation should be expedited.
The prosecution supported the directive and proposed that the matter be mentioned again on Thursday, 9th October 2025, after the results of the assessment are ready.
During the proceedings, the accused told the court that while he was being held in custody, he was being fed but felt hungry. In a compassionate gesture, the magistrate directed the arresting officer to hand him KSh500, money from the judge personally, so that he could buy bread and milk.
The court also noted that efforts were still ongoing to trace his relatives. The case will be mentioned again on 9th October 2025.
