A **13-year-old boy** is among nine witnesses slated to testify in a murder trial at the **High Court** in **Kenya**, where a **26-year-old Community Health Volunteer** is accused of killing his **17-year-old orphaned niece**, **Safiya Hussein Bilal**. The minor's testimony will be given under special protection measures, with **Justice John Onyiego** prioritizing his appearance after a resolution from the **local Court Users Committee** on **Tuesday, December 16, 2025**.

• The defense objected to the accused taking a plea, citing a mental assessment report indicating a mild form of mental psychopathology due to khat abuse, requesting a second assessment.
• Principal Prosecution Counsel, **Bernard Owuor**, opposed the objection, stating the initial assessment found the accused fit to stand trial as his condition did not affect his mental status or capacity.
• The court, agreeing with the prosecution, noted the accused coherently responded to questions about his background, confirming his fitness to stand trial.