Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect behind the shocking murders that took place inside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), has officially been charged with murder. He appeared before the Kibera Law Courts on Tuesday, July 29, to answer for the brutal killings of two patients within the hospital’s wards.
During the court session, Kalombotole did not take a plea, as the magistrate directed that he undergo an additional mental evaluation at Mbagathi Hospital. Until his trial begins, the court has ordered that he remain in custody at the Industrial Area Remand Prison.
Kalombotole stands accused of murdering Edward Maingi Ndegwa on July 17, 2025, in Ward 7B. He is also believed to be behind a similar killing earlier in the year—of Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, who was found dead in Ward 7C back in February 2025.
The suspect had reportedly been living as a homeless patient at the hospital for an extended period.
According to investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), authorities uncovered disturbing evidence linking Kalombotole to the crimes, including a pair of blood-stained slippers believed to belong to him.
KNH CEO Dr. William Sigilai revealed that Edward Maingi Ndegwa had been admitted to Ward 7B on July 11, and was found dead just a few days later, after visiting hours on July 17. A nurse had last attended to him around 11:30am that day, taking his blood pressure.
At about 12:30pm, one of his relatives visited and found him stable. However, when the family left at 1:30pm, the patient was still alive—only to be discovered dead an hour later.
The shocking murders have sparked public outrage and raised serious concerns about patient safety in government-run hospitals. In response to the alarming incidents, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered a major security overhaul across all national referral hospitals in Kenya.
CS Duale announced several new safety measures, including restricting the number of visitors per patient to just two, installing anonymous feedback systems for patients and their families, and improving staff training on patient safety and rights.
He emphasized that the government is taking the matter seriously and will do everything necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“As a Ministry, we are responsible for protecting the lives, rights, and dignity of all patients. We are fully committed to ensuring that such horrific events never happen again,” said Duale.
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