This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On July 9, 2020, the High Court in Naivasha ordered the transfer of Beatrice Mwende, a 42-year-old woman accused of killing her four children, to Mathare mental hospital for treatment.
High Court Judge Richard Mwongo made the decision after a psychiatrist's report indicated that Mwende was not fit to stand trial due to a mental illness.
According to the report by Dr. S. W. Karanja, a consultant psychiatrist in Gilgil sub-county hospital, Mwende exhibited symptoms of a mental illness, including delusions and hallucinations.
The report stated that Mwende experienced auditory hallucinations of her ex-boyfriend talking to her and tactile hallucinations of him having sex with her.
Prosecution Counsel Jackline Abuga made an application to commit Mwende to a mental hospital as an inpatient, citing the psychiatrist's report.
Advocate F.I Mburu, who represented Mwende, did not oppose the application, stating that he was in possession of the mental assessment report.
The case will come up for hearing on September 23, 2020, to determine Mwende's progress after undergoing treatment.
