MMU First year student Eric Mutinda, the key suspect in the gruesome murder of Sylvia Kemunto, has been declared mentally fit to stand trial following a fresh psychiatric assessment at Mbagathi Hospital.
This new development comes weeks after doctors at Mathari Mental Hospital had ruled Mutinda mentally unfit, prompting delays in the trial process. However, a psychiatrist from Mbagathi has now contradicted the earlier report, telling the court that Mutinda fully understands the charges against him and is in a stable condition to participate in legal proceedings.
The ruling paves the way for the trial to resume, with the prosecution expected to proceed with presenting its case against Mutinda, who is accused of the brutal killing of Sylvia Kemunto under circumstances that shocked the nation.
The case has drawn widespread public attention, not only due to the horrific nature of the crime but also the controversy surrounding the suspect’s mental state. Family and friends of the late Kemunto have repeatedly called for justice, expressing frustration over the earlier postponements.
The matter is now expected to be mentioned before the trial court for directions on the next hearing date.
