A Nakuru-based lawyer arrested over forgery claims has had the charges deferred to enable him to undergo a mental examination.

Lawyers representing the accused, Dennis Kamau Kariuki, argued that their client needed to undergo a psychiatric assessment to confirm he was fit for trial.

In their submissions before the Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, the lawyers said that Kariuki has been undergoing depression following the demise of his mother a month ago.

“Your honour I urge this court to consider our application for deferment of plea taking to two weeks since (Kariuki) his mental capacity to face charges is in question,” pleaded the defence lawyer.

Arraigned in court

The court heard that the accused was arrested on September 17, and was arraigned in court on Friday last week but he has not accessed any medication.

They also urged the court to have the proceedings heard in camera because of the sensitivity of the matter considering that the accused person is an advocate of the High Court.

They explained to the court that the accused had been in legal practice for four years and had never been charged in court.

“Your honour, the accused has no previous criminal record and I urge this court to release him on personal bond due to the issue of mental illness,” the defence submitted.

The prosecution opposed the application to have the matter deferred.

According to court documents, Kariuki is accused of forgery and uttering false documents with intent to deceive.

The documents state that on diverse dates between August 23 and September 6, 2024, at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya with intent to deceive and without lawful authority, he made a court order referring to Miscellaneous application E3074/2024 purporting it to be a genuine court order issued by Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court.