The development emerged after conflicting medical reports were presented before the court regarding Kalombotole’s mental condition.
One assessment reportedly declared him unfit to plead, while another found him mentally fit to stand trial.
Kalombotole is facing accusations linked to the killing of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital in February and July 2025.
However, the case has experienced delays because the accused has not yet taken plea due to ongoing concerns surrounding his mental status.
During the proceedings, the court observed that one of the medical reports filed from Kenyatta National Hospital indicated that the suspect required prolonged psychiatric observation and treatment.
“He has to stay there for a very long time because the report you brought before this court shows your client is sick,” the judge said during the hearing.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions proposed that the accused undergo a fresh mental assessment before a three-member panel of psychiatrists at Mathari Hospital in an effort to conclusively determine his condition.
The court agreed that a comprehensive review was necessary, given the contradictions in the previous medical evaluations presented before the court.
Legal experts following the case say the issue of mental fitness is critical because Kenyan law requires an accused person to fully understand court proceedings and actively participate in their defence before a trial can proceed.
If the psychiatric panel at Mathari fails to arrive at a unified conclusion, the court indicated it may consider seeking an independent external evaluation, including a possible referral to South Africa for specialised psychiatric examination.
The case has continued to attract public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the unusual circumstances surrounding the accused’s mental health assessments.
Families of the deceased patients are said to be closely following the proceedings, hoping for clarity and progress in the matter after months of legal uncertainty.
Mental health professionals have also pointed to the case as one that highlights the growing importance of psychiatric evaluations within the criminal justice system, especially in cases involving severe criminal accusations.