Horror at KNH: Suspected Killer Patient Charged with Double Murder as Kenya Demands Justice

Kenyans were shocked after a man named Kennedy Kalombotole was charged with murder. He is the main suspect in the deaths of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), one of the largest hospitals in the country. 

On Tuesday, July 29, Kalombotole appeared at the Kibera Law Courts. He was formally charged with murder in relation to two deadly attacks that happened inside KNH’s hospital wards. 

The court did not ask him to plead guilty or not guilty. Instead, the judge ordered a mental health check to be done first. This will take place at Mbagathi Hospital. 

Until the trial begins, Kalombotole will be held at Industrial Area Remand Prison. 

The first murder happened on July 17, 2025, in Ward 7B. The victim was a man named Edward Maingi Ndegwa. He had been admitted to KNH just six days before, on July 11. 

Before his death, a nurse checked his blood pressure at around 11:30 am. Later, a relative visited and found him doing well at 12:30 pm. They left the hospital at 1:30 pm. 

But at around 2:00 pm, hospital staff found Edward Maingi dead. His sudden death raised many questions. 

This wasn’t the first suspicious death linked to Kalombotole. Back in February 2025, another patient named Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni was killed in Ward 7C. Kalombotole is also the prime suspect in that case. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) looked into the matter. Investigators found bloody slippers connected to Kalombotole, adding to the growing evidence. 

It turns out Kalombotole had been staying at the hospital for a long time. He was a homeless man who had become a long-term patient at KNH. 

The public is deeply disturbed by these killings. Many are wondering how such attacks could happen inside a hospital. 

Kenyans are demanding answers and justice for the victims and their families. 

Because of this tragedy, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale took action. He ordered major changes in how security works at all national referral hospitals. 

Duale wants hospitals to allow only two visitors per patient. He also suggested anonymous feedback boxes where people can report concerns without revealing their names. 

In addition, hospital workers will now be trained more deeply in patient rights and safety. The aim is to stop anything like this from ever happening again. 

“As a Ministry, we must safeguard the lives, rights, and dignity of all patients,” CS Duale said. “We are committed to ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again.” 

The Kenyatta National Hospital CEO, William Sigilai, confirmed the murders. He assured the public that the hospital will cooperate fully with investigators. 

Meanwhile, many people are asking if there were early warning signs. Was this tragedy preventable? 

Some Kenyans are calling for better support for homeless patients and mental health care in hospitals. 

Others say that hospitals need more security, especially in wards with vulnerable patients. 

As the trial of Kennedy Kalombotole draws near, the nation is watching closely. Will justice be served? 

The outcome of this case could change how patient safety is handled in Kenya’s hospitals forever. 

This is a sad and scary time, but also a moment for serious reflection and reform in the health system.