Kennedy Kalombotole, the prime suspect in the brutal murders of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), will be detained at Mbagathi Hospital, following a court ruling that recognized his urgent mental health needs.
Kibera Magistrate Daisy Mutai made the decision during a Thursday hearing, citing medical reports indicating that Kalombotole is suffering from a mental health condition that requires close monitoring.
“It is clear that the suspect is unwell. What I am gathering is that it is something that requires close monitoring,” said Justice Mutai.
Kalombotole is accused of killing two fellow patients at KNH in separate incidents in February and July 2025. Among the victims was 38-year-old Edward Maingi, who was bedridden after suffering a stroke. A postmortem conducted at the Kenyatta Funeral Home revealed Maingi died from severe throat lacerations that caused fatal bleeding.
Lawyers for Kalombotole opposed his detention at Kilimani Police Station, proposing that he be held at either Mama Lucy or Mbagathi hospitals, citing the facility’s inability to cater to his medical and psychological needs.
The prosecution strongly objected to any relocation of the suspect back to KNH, where the murders occurred, warning it would endanger patients and staff. Kilimani police officers also informed the court that they lacked the capacity to detain Kalombotole safely, citing shortages of medical supplies, psychiatric care, and appropriate food.
“He has not eaten, and we do not have mechanisms to enforce feeding habits on him,” the officers reported, describing his case as a serious medical condition requiring continuous supervision.
The court’s directive to detain Kalombotole at Mbagathi Hospital aims to balance security and medical care while the suspect awaits further legal proceedings in connection to the disturbing double homicide.
Written By Rodney Mbua
