The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking to detain Kennedy Kalombotole for 21 days as investigations continue into the chilling murders of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Kalombotole, who was arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts on Monday, is the prime suspect in the deaths of Gilbert Kinyua, who died in February, and Edward Ndegwa, who was killed last week. Both victims were in-patients at the country’s largest referral hospital.
According to KNH officials, Kalombotole was a long-term patient and homeless man who had first been admitted to the facility in 2022. His presence in the hospital had become familiar over time, raising questions about security and patient monitoring within the institution.
The prosecution requested the extended detention period to allow investigators to complete a thorough probe, including psychiatric evaluations and forensic reviews. The court directed that medical reports from both Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Women’s Hospital, where Kalombotole had also received treatment, be presented by Thursday, July 24, before it makes a ruling on the detention request.
The case has sparked public concern about safety protocols in public hospitals, particularly in wards hosting vulnerable patients. Investigations are ongoing.
Written By Rodney Mbua
