Homicide detectives have arrested Kennedy Kalombotole, the key suspect behind the brutal murder of Edward Maingi Ndegwa inside a ward at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
The shocking incident occurred in broad daylight on July 17, 2025, inside Ward 7B, Group C (Male).
Edward Maingi, who had been admitted to the ward on July 11, was last seen alive around 1:30 p.m. after a routine nurse check and a visit from a relative.
Around 2:00 p.m., a cleaner discovered blood pooling around his neck, triggering an immediate security alert.
Detectives responding to the scene found a trail of bloody slipper prints leading from the victim’s bedside to a nearby toilet and then to a side room.
There, officers discovered a blood-stained bedsheet and a pair of blue slippers.
A knife wrapped in gloves was recovered from the ground beneath the 7th floor window of the ward. All evidence has been sent to the National Forensic Laboratory for detailed analysis.
Authorities have identified Kalombotole as the same man suspected in the unresolved murder of Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, 40, who was killed in Ward 7C earlier this year, between February 6 and 7. Kalombotole has been a patient at the facility since December 1, 2024.
Following the initial KNH murder in February, investigators had compiled a file that was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). However, further investigations were ordered to strengthen the case.
Kalombotole is now in custody as detectives finalize evidence collection ahead of arraignment.
The double murder has raised alarm over patient safety within public hospitals, prompting calls for increased security and mental health assessments for long-term patients.
