The main suspect in the shocking deaths of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kennedy Kalombotole, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, July 24. Authorities will present evidence and determine whether Kalombotole should remain in hospital under medical observation or be transferred to jail custody.
He is the key suspect in two separate murder cases involving patients who were admitted at KNH. One of the victims, Edward Maingi Ndengwa, was found dead in his hospital bed on July 17.
The other, Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, died in a similar manner back in February. In both cases, the patients were discovered lifeless in their beds, raising serious questions about hospital safety.
Kalombotole, who was himself admitted at the facility, is suspected to have carried out the murders while being treated as a long-term patient. He first checked into KNH in late 2022 and was readmitted in December 2024. He was still undergoing treatment when the most recent killing happened.
During his previous appearance in court on July 21, Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutahi ordered that medical reports from both KNH and Nairobi Women’s Hospital, where Kalombotole had also been a patient, be submitted before July 24.
The magistrate emphasized that clarity on the suspect’s health was necessary before deciding whether to extend his detention by another 21 days.
The court also granted police permission to collect DNA samples, perform an autopsy on one of the deceased, and obtain Kalombotole’s fingerprints as part of the expanding investigation.
Investigators uncovered critical evidence in a nearby hospital ward where Kalombotole had been staying. This included blood-soaked bedsheets, a knife concealed in gloves, a pair of slippers, and footprints that matched the footwear. All these items are currently being examined at the National Forensic Laboratory.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) told the court that more time is needed to finalize forensic testing, gather medical documentation, and complete the recording of witness statements to build a solid case.
As the investigation continues, the court’s ruling on Kalombotole’s detention — whether he will remain in hospital or be moved to jail — is highly anticipated and could mark a major turning point in the case.
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