A court has ordered a Nakuru-based lawyer Dennis Kamau Kariuki, who is accused of forging a court order, to be taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for psychiatric assessment.

Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo ordered Kariuki to be taken to a government facility for the assessment after the defense lawyer informed the court that Kariuki is already admitted for 30 days in a private facility in Westlands, Nairobi county.

Kariuki who accused of forgery and uttering of forged document had not taken plea yet after his lawyer pleaded with the court to differ the plea for two weeks claiming that he needs a psychiatric test since he is not fit to face charges.

Mental treatment

His lawyer produced a letter from Chiromo Lane Medical Center dated September 25, in Westlands area which indicated that Kariuki had been admitted in the facility for a period of 30 days to undergo mental treatment.

Without availing any medical documents in court, the lawyer pleaded with the court for the deferment of the plea taking for a period of 30 days to have his client treated and told the magistrate they are in the process of compiling a comprehensive report regarding his mental status which will be availed in court during mention. “Your honor, I pray this court to defer the plea for 30 days since my client is admitted in hospital for mental treatment. I will avail a comprehensive report of about his medical status during mention of the matter,” the lawyer prayed.

The prosecution vehemently opposed the application to defer the plea arguing that it received the said letter yesterday morning.