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KNH murder: Person of interest’s plea deferred again as court orders 2nd mental test
24th October, 2025 08:42 AM
A Kibera court has deferred the taking of the plea of the person of interest in the murders at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kennedy Kalombotole, for the second time.
Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, pushed the plea taking to allow Kalombotole to be presented for a second psychiatric assessment.
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“The plea is deferred to enable the person of interest in this matter to undergo a second mental assessment examination at KNH,” Judge Kavedza ruled.
Further, she ordered another doctor to proceed with a second mental test, this time directing that the assessment take place at Nairobi Remand Prison.
The court also ordered the prison authorities to facilitate Dr. Owiti’s access to Kalombotole for the mental examination.
“Let the doctor proceed to Nairobi Remand and conduct the examination there. We will not get him out of remand. In remand, we have a clinic. Prepare a place for the doctor to examine the client,” Justice Kavedza ordered.
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Notably, Justice Kavedza instructed the prison authorities to ensure that Kalombotole continues with his diabetic treatment while at the facility.
In addition, she asked the facility to provide the court with a report confirming whether Kalombotole has been experiencing seizures or epileptic attacks in prison and, if so, what treatment he has been placed on.
During the proceedings, lawyer James Dennis Maina, appearing for the family of the first victim, told the court that KNH, being an interested party in the matter, would not be the best institution to guide the court on Kalombotole’s mental assessment.
“Kenyatta National Hospital is an interested party in this matter, given that the two murders subject to these proceedings occurred within the facility. KNH may not, perhaps, be the best facility to guide this court on either of the issues before it, especially regarding the mental wellness of the accused person,” Lawyer Maina told the court.
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However, the court advised the victims’ lawyer to wait for the results of the second mental report before determining whether to seek similar services from another facility.
Justice Kavedza ordered Kalombotole to be produced in court on November 13, 2025.
