A Multimedia University student accused of murdering his girlfriend has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial, pending a fresh psychiatric evaluation ordered by the High Court.
Eric Mutinda, a first-year electrical engineering student, is facing a murder charge in connection with the killing of Sylvia Kemunto, a fellow first-year student pursuing mass communication and computer science. Kemunto was reported missing on March 30, 2025, and her body was found three days later hidden in a water tank on the rooftop of a university hostel.
Appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court, Mutinda was found unfit to plead after a psychiatric assessment conducted at Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital found him mentally unstable. The report described him as “fairly groomed and minimally cooperative,” but noted that his accounts were inconsistent and unreliable.
“He is not fit to plead,” read part of the psychiatric report.
Justice Kavedza expressed concern that Mutinda had appeared in court unaccompanied by any family member, which she said hampered the initial psychiatric assessment. She ordered that he be returned to Mathare Hospital for re-evaluation, directing the Prisons Department to ensure a relative accompanies him to assist in the process by providing essential background information.
Although Mutinda denied committing the offense during an earlier court appearance, he confirmed he was aware of the charge brought against him.
The case will be mentioned on Friday, June 27, 2025, when the court expects an updated mental health report and will give further directions on how the proceedings will continue.
Written By Rodney Mbua
