Kennedy Kalombotole, charged with the murder of Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), has entered a plea of not guilty following months of legal delays over his mental capacity.
During a hearing before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Nairobi High Court on Thursday, the court accepted the conclusions of a three-member psychiatric panel from Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital. The panel determined Kalombotole is mentally competent to stand trial.
Kalombotole faces allegations of killing Muthoni on or about February 6 and 7, 2025, in Ward 7B of KNH. He denied the charges as the court formally read them.
Background and Legal Proceedings
- The case had been stalled for over a year due to conflicting psychiatric evaluations regarding Kalombotole's mental state.
- At one point, the court considered referring him to South Africa for an independent mental assessment.
- Ultimately, the court ordered a local panel of psychiatrists to provide a definitive evaluation.
With the panel's findings confirming his fitness, the trial is now set to move forward.
Trial Schedule and Next Steps
- The prosecution plans to call approximately 20 witnesses, including the pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination; however, Justice Kavedza advised reducing this to 16 to expedite proceedings.
- The trial is scheduled to commence on October 26, 2026.
- Court directives include ensuring Kalombotole receives a diabetic diet and continues prescribed medication while in custody.
- Both prosecution and defence have been instructed to submit arguments regarding bail.
- Legal representatives for the victim's family have been asked to raise any concerns related to the victim's interests during the trial.
