A murder case that had remained stalled for months at the centre of a mental health dispute has finally moved forward. Kennedy Kalombotole, the man accused of killing a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), has been charged before the High Court in Nairobi.
Kalombotole appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza, where he denied the murder charge. The case had been delayed as courts sought clarity on whether he was mentally fit to stand trial.
Psychiatrists Clear Accused to Face Trial
The court accepted a report prepared by a three-member psychiatric panel from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. The assessment found that Kalombotole was fit to enter a plea. Justice Kavedza then allowed the charge to be read.
He was accused of murdering Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni on February 6 and 7, 2025. The alleged killing took place at Ward 7B of Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi County.
Kalombotole denied the charge.
Mental Fitness Dispute Held Up Proceedings
The case had faced repeated delays because doctors had offered different views about Kalombotole’s mental condition. At one point, the court considered sending him to South Africa for an independent psychiatric examination.
That option was later abandoned. Instead, a panel of Kenyan psychiatrists was appointed to provide a final assessment.
The latest findings allowed the case to proceed.
Prosecution Plans Witness Testimony
The prosecution told the court it intends to call about 20 witnesses. The witnesses are expected to include the pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination.
Justice Kavedza, however, urged the prosecution to consider reducing the number of witnesses. She suggested that around 16 witnesses could help the trial move faster.
The hearing has been scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.
Court Protects Victim’s Family Interests
The court also directed lawyers representing the victim’s family to raise any concerns during the trial. The judge said the family’s interests must be considered as proceedings continue. In addition, prison authorities were ordered to ensure Kalombotole receives his prescribed medication.
He was also to be provided with a diabetic diet while in custody.
Bail Decision Still Pending
Both the prosecution and defence teams were ordered to file submissions on his bail application. The court will later consider arguments from both sides before making a decision. With the mental fitness question now settled, the case will move into the next stage.
Witnesses will be called, evidence will be presented, and the court will determine the outcome of the murder trial.
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