Case in limbo as murder suspect disowns medical report

A murder suspect has disputed a mental assessment report showing he was fit to stand trial.

Jackson Mwalimu Karisa, who is charged with the murder of Kabibi Kitsao Masha told the Malindi High Court on Tuesday he had not been assessed by any doctor as alleged by the prosecution. He also insisted he was of unsound mind.

The suspect had initially appeared before Resident Judge Reuben Nyakundi, who ordered for a mental assessment test before he could stand trial.

He is accused that on December 10, this year at Mikingirini village in Kilifi North Sub-county, he murdered Masha. He first appeared on December 13, but did not take plea.

A mental assessment report from a psychiatrist at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital indicated that the accused person was of sound mind to take plea.

“He has no mental illness and is fit to take plea,” read the letter tabled in court and signed by Dr C Mwangome, a consultant psychiatrist.

His lawyer Tonia Mwania, however, said she was ready to proceed with the matter, but her client stood his ground and even denied ever going for a mental assessment.

The accused denied knowing the officers who arrested him or even the murder victim.

“Mimi sijaona daktari yeyote,” (I have not seen any doctor), the accused said. Justice Nyakundi ordered that a fresh mental assessment be carried out before the accused takes plea. Mention of the case will be on 6th January 2020.