A Multimedia University student accused of murdering his girlfriend has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial, pending further psychiatric evaluation.
Eric Mutinda, a first-year electrical engineering student at Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU), is facing a murder charge, in connection with the killing of Sylvia Kemunto, a fellow first-year student pursuing mass communication and computer science.
Medical records adduced in court showed that a psychiatric assessment conducted at Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital concluded that Mutinda is not fit to plead, citing mental instability. The doctor’s report noted that while he was fairly groomed and minimally cooperative, his historical accounts were inconsistent and unreliable.
“He is not fit to plead,” read part of the psychiatrist’s report
Mutinda appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court unaccompanied by any family member, and this according to the court hindered the assessment process. Although he denied committing the offense, Mutinda acknowledged awareness of the murder charge against him.
Justice Kavedza ordered that Mutinda be taken back to Mathare Hospital for a re-evaluation, with instructions to the Prisons Department to ensure he is accompanied by a relative who can provide necessary background information.
Mutinda had previously entered a not guilty plea, prompting the court to seek a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental fitness for trial.
The case stems from the tragic death of Sylvia Kemunto, who was reported missing on March 30, 2025. Her body was discovered three days later, on April 2, hidden inside a water tank on the rooftop of a university hostel.
The case is scheduled for mention on Friday, 27th June 2025, when the court is expected to receive an updated mental health report and provide further directions on the proceedings.
