A Nairobi court has directed that Kennedy Kalombotole, the key suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital murder cases, undergo a mental assessment after he remained completely silent during his appearance in the High Court.

Kalombotole, who is facing murder charges linked to separate incidents at the hospital in February and July this year, appeared calm but did not utter a word before Justice Diana Kavedza even as police alleged he was capable of speaking.

Although the prosecution was ready to proceed, the court was informed that an earlier order for a mental examination at Mbagathi Hospital had not been carried out.

The defence maintained that Kalombotole does not verbalise.

Prosecutor Gichuhi confirmed the delay in implementing the evaluation and sought 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 plea.”

Adding complexity to the case, a police officer identified as Mang’ware told the court that the accused had spoken while in custody, contradicting the defence team’s position.

This led to questions from Justice Kavedza, who noted that although Kalombotole was not legally required to speak, his complete silence was unusual.

"Apparently, the police, along with others, now claim that he can speak. While he is not obliged to say anything, his cooperation would have made matters easier,” she remarked.

The judge reaffirmed the earlier order for a mental evaluation at Mbagathi Hospital and ruled that the suspect remain detained at Nairobi Remand Prison until the assessment is complete.

She also instructed that due to Kalombotole’s diabetic condition, he should be placed under special care, with insulin injections administered under supervision and no direct handling of needles allowed.

The matter will be mentioned again on September 22, with the court noting that the report might not be ready by then due to the recess period.

The evaluation findings will guide whether the accused is fit to plead to the murder charges.