NAIROBI — A Multimedia University student accused of murdering his girlfriend has been declared unfit to stand trial, following a psychiatric assessment carried out at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Eric Mutinda Philip, a first-year electrical engineering student, is facing murder charges in connection with the death of Sylvia Kemunto, a fellow first-year student pursuing mass communication and computer science.
In a medical report submitted to the court under Criminal Case No. E004 of 2025, doctors at Mathari stated that Mutinda showed signs of mental instability and was not in a condition to take a plea.
According to the examining psychiatrist, Mutinda was “fairly groomed and cooperative with difficulty,” but his speech was low in tone and pitch, and his personal account was inconsistent. The report noted the absence of a close relative during the evaluation, making it hard to verify his history.
“He is not fit to plead,” the report stated, adding that a full diagnosis would require more input from his next of kin.
Despite this assessment, the presiding judge on Monday directed that Mutinda be returned to Mathari Hospital for a fresh evaluation this time accompanied by a relative. The court stressed the importance of a clearer mental history before making any final decisions.
Mutinda had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge before the psychiatric examination was ordered.
The body of Kemunto was discovered on April 2 in a rooftop water tank at a student hostel within the university. She had been reported missing since March 30. Police later arrested Mutinda in connection with the case, citing inconsistencies in his statements and reported links to the scene.
Investigations are still ongoing, and the case is set to be mentioned again on Friday, June 27, when the court expects to receive the updated mental report.
Court officials declined to comment on whether the findings could affect the prosecution’s approach, but a source close to the investigation said authorities were “taking the report seriously” and would wait for the court’s direction.
The university has not issued a public statement, but some students have expressed shock and concern over the incident. “It’s tragic,” said one classmate who requested anonymity. “Sylvia was always cheerful. No one saw this coming.”
