The suspect of murder of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was charged with murder in a case which has sent the public into deep shock.
Kennedy Kalombotole, who had been confined within the hospital for months, was arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts on Tuesday, July 29. The two standalone murders within KNH wards cast serious questions over safety and control within the country’s top referral hospital.
Despite not pleading, Kalombotole was directed by the court to undergo further psychiatric examination at the Mbagathi Hospital prior to his trial beginning. In the meantime, he will be held in custody at the Industrial Area Remand Prison.
Investigators believe Kalombotole was behind the gruesome death of Edward Maingi Ndegwa, a patient admitted to Ward 7B earlier this month. Ndegwa was found dead under unclear circumstances on July 17, just days after being admitted.
Authorities have also tied Kalombotole to another disturbing case: the death of Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, who was killed in Ward 7C back in February.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) uncovered evidence linking Kalombotole to the scene including blood-stained slippers and described him as a long-term “homeless patient” who somehow remained on the premises undetected.
Speaking on the July 17 incident, KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Sigilai said Ndegwa had been examined by a nurse shortly before midday and appeared stable. A family member who visited around 12:30pm also confirmed that he was doing well. He was subsequently found dead, just minutes after visiting time had expired.
After the back-to-back attacks, Kenyans are stunned with controversy regarding hospital safety guidelines. Most people wonder how this would ever come to pass in a place that is supposed to keep the terminally ill and the vulnerable safe.
After the occurrences, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ordered across-the-board reforms for all national referral hospitals. Some of the short-term alterations are limitations on visitors per patient, new channels for anonymous complaints, and rigorous training of staff on patient rights and hospital safety.
“These deaths are heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said CS Duale. “We owe it to every patient and their families to create a hospital environment where safety and dignity are non-negotiable.”
Kalombotole’s case is now being closely watched, not just for justice to be served but as a wake-up call for the entire health sector.
