Nairobi, Kenya – The murder case involving Multimedia University (MMU) student Eric Mutinda took a new turn on Monday after a medical report from Mathari Hospital declared him mentally unfit to stand trial.
Mutinda is charged with the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Sylvia Kemunto, in a case that has gripped the university community.
According to a report filed in court under Criminal Case No: E004 of 2025, psychiatrists at Mathari Hospital concluded that Mutinda is mentally unstable and not fit to plead to the charges.
The report states that Mutinda, a first-year student, denied involvement in the offence but acknowledged that he is facing murder charges.
During the evaluation, doctors observed that he was fairly groomed and cooperative, though with difficulty.
His speech was noted to be low in tone and pitch, and the information he provided was considered unreliable.
The examining doctor recommended that Mutinda undergo further evaluation with the involvement of a close relative to provide corroborative history, which is essential to completing the assessment.
Despite the hospital’s findings, the judge directed that Mutinda be returned to Mathari Hospital for a re-evaluation, this time accompanied by a relative.
Mutinda had initially pleaded not guilty to the murder charge before being subjected to the mental assessment, which was ordered by the court.
The court is now awaiting the updated mental evaluation report before determining how the case will proceed.
By Were Kelly
