The High Court has stated that murder suspect Kennedy Kalombotole could be referred to South Africa for a specialized psychiatric evaluation after doctors at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital failed to agree on whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.
Kalombotole faces charges over the alleged killing of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital in incidents reported in February and July 2025. The case has remained in limbo for months after conflicting medical reports raised questions about his mental condition.
A judge observed that one psychiatric report found the accused unfit to plead, while another assessment concluded that he is capable of standing trial.
The court noted that a medical report from Kenyatta National Hospital indicated the suspect is mentally unstable and requires extended observation before doctors can reach a firm conclusion on his fitness to stand trial.
“He has to stay there for a very long time because the report you brought before this court shows your client is sick,” the judge said.
To resolve the stalemate created by conflicting psychiatric findings, the prosecution has urged the court to order a fresh evaluation. Prosecutors want a panel of three psychiatrists from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital to examine the accused and issue a definitive opinion on whether he is fit to stand trial.
“We are of the opinion that a three-bench panel of psychiatrists at Mathari should examine him,” the prosecution submitted.
In agreement with the proposal, the judge stated that the court could not proceed on the basis of conflicting expert opinions without a more detailed medical review. The court noted that the suspect requires continued observation to allow doctors to properly assess his condition.
“He needs observation for quite some time for the doctors to properly examine him. I am not a doctor,” the judge said.
The court further indicated that if the three psychiatrists at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital fail to agree on Kennedy Kalombotole’s mental status, it may seek a second opinion from specialists outside the country.
“If we do not agree to the three, we will take him to South Africa. I agree with Madam Timoi,” the judge added.
Lawyers representing the families of the alleged victims supported the request for a fresh psychiatric evaluation but urged the court to avoid further delays and bring the matter to a close.
“We pray for finality in this matter. I now have two contradictory reports, one saying he is unfit and another saying he is fit,” counsel for the victims told the court.
The case will be mentioned on July 24 for directions and to review the findings of the psychiatric panel.
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