Kalombotole Declared Trial Fit
The High Court in Kibera has been updated on the case of Kennedy Kalombotole, the primary suspect in the tragic patient killings at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Following a mental evaluation, it has been determined that he is fit to stand trial.
During a virtual hearing on Thursday, Justice Diana Kavedza mentioned that she hadn’t yet reviewed the assessment report. However, she was informed that the results showed Kalombotole is capable of pleading, despite dealing with health issues like diabetes.
The judge also requested confirmation that he has been receiving proper medical care while in custody at Nairobi Remand Prison.
“I want to know if he underwent treatment, given that he is diabetic,” Justice Kavedza asked.
At one point, the court asked about Kalombotole’s absence from the session. A prison officer explained that he was unavailable because he had gone for lunch. Even though the report wasn’t in front of the judge at that moment, the confirmation given was enough for the court to issue directions.
Justice Kavedza ordered that Kalombotole be brought to court in person on September 30 for plea-taking. The suspect, who had previously failed to enter a plea on July 29, 2025, appeared calm in the dock before Justice Kavedza but didn’t respond when the judge addressed him.
This was in contrast to police statements indicating that he could communicate verbally. His defense team informed the court that he doesn’t verbalize and mentioned that earlier orders for a mental evaluation at Mbagathi Hospital hadn’t been carried out yet.
Prosecutor Gikui Gichuhi confirmed that the evaluation hadn’t been done and requested the court to issue new directions to allow the case to move forward.
“We seek directions for a mental assessment to be conducted, and in the meantime, that the suspect be remanded at Nairobi Industrial Area Remand Prison to determine whether he is fit to take a plea,” she said.
Kalombotole Declared Trial Fit
