Court orders President Uhuru's 'friend' to be admitted at Mathare

Kadhik Juma Walter who pleaded guilty to trespassing (Photo: Courtesy)

KENYA: A Nairobi court has ruled that man who plead guilty for trespassing at State House grounds claiming President Uhuru Kenyatta was his friend be admitted to Mathare Hospital for treatment.

This is after a mental assessment test report from the hospital said that Kadhik Juma Walter was mentally ill.

Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo gave the directive Tuesday after the prosecution submitted that the accused was not in a condition to be sentenced.

"I rule that the accused be taken to Mathare Mental Hospital for two months. The case will be heard again in January 18 to check on his progress," he said.

However, the accused dismissed the report, saying the only thing he was asked at the hospital is if he hears strange voices speaking to him.

"Your honour that assessment was not credible. I request that am returned home to Bungoma where I will be under the care of my family," Mr Walter said.

Mr Ogembo however said he would go with the doctor's report since the accused had formerly indicated he did not know when he had come to Nairobi.

Mr Walter was arrested on October 27 by the General Service Unit (GSU) officers who were patrolling State House grounds.

According to State Counsel Mary Ng'ang'a, Walter was arrested after he failed to convince the police on how he gained entry into the protected area.

Defending himself before court, Mr Walter said he entered State House around 10pm through an opening at the fence to find a place to sleep.

"Your honour, I have been doing various odd jobs there like pitching tents. I do not know why I was arrested, and I am above the law since the President knows me," he said in court Tuesday.

"Your honour it is not my first time to be there. I have been staying at the football pitch. But this time the police arrested me and when I asked to be taken to the President because he knows me, they refused," he said.

Mr Ogembo directed he be taken for a mental assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital. "I order the results of the test be presented in court and that is when I will make a ruling," said Ogembo.