The Milimani Law Courts have ordered Kenyatta National Hospital to conduct a psychiatric assessment of Dennis Kamau Kariuki, a lawyer with Karanja Mbugua and Company Advocates, who stands accused of forging a court order.
The order was issued by Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo during Kamau’s arraignment on Monday.
Kamau, based in Nakuru, faces serious charges, including making and uttering a false document. It is alleged that on September 24, 2024, he produced a forged court order purporting it to be genuine and issued by the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The charges specify that Kamau prepared the document without lawful authority, an offense under Section 357(a) of the Penal Code.
According to the intended charge sheet, the offenses allegedly occurred between September 6 and September 23, 2024, at an unspecified location in Kenya. Prosecutors claim Kamau created the court order with the intent to deceive, asserting it was valid and legitimately issued by the authorities.
The court’s decision to mandate a mental health assessment aims to ascertain Kamau’s fitness to stand trial. This evaluation is crucial, as it will determine whether he comprehends the nature of the charges against him and can effectively participate in his defense.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on October 9, when the court will review the psychiatric report and make a determination on his mental fitness.
