A murder case linked to the death of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital has moved a step forward after the accused, Kennedy Kalombotole, was formally charged in court following months of delays over questions about his mental fitness.
Kalombotole appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the High Court in Nairobi on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
The court accepted the findings of a three-member team of psychiatrists from Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital, who concluded that he was mentally fit to stand trial.Justice Kavedza then read the charge against him.
Prosecutors allege that Kalombotole murdered Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni on or about February 6 and 7, 2025, at Ward 7B of Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi County.
The accused denied the charge.
The plea brings an important development in a case that had remained stalled for more than a year because of conflicting psychiatric reports regarding Kalombotole’s mental condition.
Earlier proceedings were repeatedly delayed as medical experts failed to reach a common position on whether he was capable of understanding the court process and defending himself.
At one point, the court considered sending him to South Africa for an independent psychiatric assessment in an effort to settle the dispute. However, that plan was later dropped.
Instead, the court directed that a panel of three psychiatrists in Kenya conduct a fresh and comprehensive evaluation of his mental state.
The latest assessment found that Kalombotole was fit to take a plea and participate in the trial, allowing the case to move forward.
During the court session, the prosecution informed the judge that it plans to call about 20 witnesses. These include the pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination on the deceased.
Justice Kavedza, however, encouraged the prosecution to consider reducing the number of witnesses to around 16 to help ensure the case proceeds without unnecessary delays.
The hearing is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026, when witness testimony and other evidence are expected to be presented before the court.
The judge also directed lawyers representing the victim’s family to file any issues concerning the interests of the victims as the case progresses.
In addition, prison authorities were ordered to ensure that Kalombotole continues receiving his prescribed medication and is provided with a diabetic diet while in custody.
The court further instructed both the prosecution and the defence to file submissions regarding his bail application as preparations for the trial continue.
