KNH murder suspect pleads not guilty after court finds him fit to stand trial

KNH murder suspect pleads not guilty after court finds him fit to stand trial
KNH murder suspect pleads not guilty after court finds him fit to stand trial - Murder suspect Kennedy Kalombotole during a past court appearance. (Photo: Carolyne Kubwa)
Murder suspect Kennedy Kalombotole during a past court appearance. (Photo: Carolyne Kubwa)

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The plea was taken after the court adopted the findings of a three-member panel of psychiatrists from Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital, which concluded that the accused was mentally capable of understanding the proceedings and taking his plea.

Kennedy Kalombotole, the man accused of killing a fellow patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), has formally denied the murder charge after the High Court ruled that he is mentally fit to stand trial, ending months of uncertainty over his psychiatric condition.
Appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza at the High Court in Nairobi, Kalombotole pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni on the night of February 6 and 7, 2025, at Ward 7B of Kenyatta National Hospital.
The plea was taken after the court adopted the findings of a three-member panel of psychiatrists from Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital, which concluded that the accused was mentally capable of understanding the proceedings and taking his plea.

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Justice Kavedza read the charge to the accused, who responded by denying the allegation.
The plea brings to an end a prolonged delay in the case that stemmed from conflicting psychiatric evaluations regarding Kalombotole's mental state.
At one point, the court had contemplated referring him to South Africa for an independent psychiatric assessment after doctors failed to reach a consensus.

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That proposal was later abandoned in favour of appointing a panel of three local psychiatrists to conduct a fresh evaluation.
With the latest report confirming he is fit to stand trial, the court directed that the murder case now proceeds to a full hearing.
The prosecution informed the court that it intends to rely on approximately 20 witnesses, including the pathologist who performed the post-mortem examination on the deceased.
However, Justice Kavedza urged the prosecution to streamline its witness list to avoid unnecessary delays.
"You may consider reducing the number of witnesses to about 16 so that the trial can proceed expeditiously," the judge advised.
The court fixed the hearing for October 26, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its evidence.
Justice Kavedza also directed the advocate representing the victim's family to file any applications or concerns touching on the victims' interests as the proceedings continue.
On the welfare of the accused, the judge ordered prison authorities to ensure Kalombotole continues receiving his prescribed medication and is provided with a diabetic diet while in custody.
She further directed both the prosecution and the defence to file submissions on the accused's pending bail application before the court determines whether he should be released pending trial.
Kalombotole is accused of murdering Muthoni while both were admitted at KNH. With the issue of his mental fitness now settled, the case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution will seek to prove the murder charge through witness testimony and forensic evidence.

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