The tragic murder of Multimedia University (MMU) student Sylvia Kemunto has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, as the primary suspect, Eric Mutinda Philip, has been declared unfit to stand trial following a mental assessment. This development introduces a new layer of complexity to a case that has deeply unsettled the university community and the wider public, highlighting the intricate intersection of criminal justice and mental health.
According to a medical report filed under Criminal Case No: E004 of 2025, Eric Mutinda Philip is deemed to be mentally unstable. This preliminary assessment, conducted at the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, casts immediate uncertainty over the legal proceedings. The report indicates that Mutinda, who appeared for the assessment unaccompanied by a relative for corroborative history, denied his involvement in the heinous crime. Despite this denial, he acknowledged being charged with the murder of his fellow student.
The psychiatrist who conducted the evaluation noted several observations regarding Mutinda's demeanor and communication during the assessment. While he was described as fairly groomed and cooperative, albeit with some difficulty, his speech was notably low in tone and pitch. Crucially, the psychiatrist concluded that his history was considered unreliable, making it challenging to fully ascertain the facts from his account alone. The examining doctor's final conclusion was explicit: "He is not fit to plead and recommended further corroborative history from his next of kin to complete the evaluation.” This recommendation underscores the necessity of obtaining additional background information from his family to paint a more complete picture of his mental state.
Despite this initial report, the court, during Monday's mention, issued a directive for Mutinda to be taken back to Mathari Hospital for a re-evaluation. A significant modification to the directive was the insistence that he must be accompanied by a relative this time. This crucial addition aims to provide the medical team with the necessary corroborative history, which was notably absent during the first assessment, allowing for a more comprehensive and accurate psychiatric evaluation.
It is worth noting that Mutinda had initially pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. It was immediately after this plea that the court, recognizing the gravity of the charges and the need to ascertain his mental fitness for trial, ordered the psychiatric evaluation. The upcoming updated mental report will be critical for the court, as its findings will directly influence how the case proceeds. The determination of a defendant's mental fitness to stand trial is a fundamental aspect of due process, ensuring that an accused person fully understands the charges against them and can participate meaningfully in their own defense.
The tragic incident that led to these proceedings unfolded earlier this year. Eric Mutinda Philip, a first-year electrical engineering student at MMU, is the primary suspect in the murder of Sylvia Kemunto. Kemunto, a first-year student majoring in mass communications and computer science, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on March 30. Her body was later discovered on April 2, found in a water tank located on the rooftop of a hostel within the institution’s compound – a discovery that sent shockwaves through the university community.
The case has drawn significant public attention, fueled by the tragic nature of Kemunto's death and the involvement of a fellow student. The court is now slated to mention the case again on Friday, June 27.
