The murder case involving Multimedia University (MMU) student Eric Mutinda took a dramatic turn on today after doctors declared him mentally unfit to stand trial for the alleged killing of his girlfriend, Sylvia Kemunto.
A psychiatric evaluation report from Mathari Hospital, presented to the court, concluded that Mutinda lacks the mental capacity required to participate in legal proceedings.
Mutinda, a first-year student, was assessed under Criminal Case No: E004 of 2025. According to the report, the accused appeared for the assessment without a family member to provide background information. He denied committing the murder but admitted he was aware of the charges against him.
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The psychiatrist observed that Mutinda was “fairly groomed and cooperative with difficulty,” adding that his “speech was low in tone and pitch,” and that the account he provided was unreliable.
The report concluded: “He is not fit to plead and recommended further corroborative history from his next of kin to complete the evaluation.”
Despite the findings, the presiding judge on Monday directed the Prisons Department to return Mutinda to Mathari Hospital for a second mental evaluation—this time accompanied by a relative to assist with background details.
Mutinda had previously entered a not guilty plea before the court ordered the initial psychiatric examination.
The case will remain pending until the court receives the revised mental health report, which will determine the next course of action in the proceedings.
By Joseph Mambili
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