A man suspected to be behind two gruesome murders within the wards of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has been arrested, police confirmed Thursday, in a case that has shocked the country and raised major concerns about hospital safety and mental healthcare systems.
Kennedy Kalombotole, a mentally ill man of no known family or fixed address, is alleged to have committed the two murders in separate wards at the country’s largest referral hospital—first in February and again this week.
According to hospital records, Kalombotole was first admitted at KNH on 1 December 2024. Though he was officially discharged in January 2025, he remained within the hospital compound due to lack of shelter and was reportedly under the care of hospital staff while awaiting further guidance from authorities.
The first murder occurred on the night of 6–7 February 2025. The victim, Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, 40, was found dead in Ward 7C with suspicious injuries. Kalombotole, also admitted in the same ward at the time, was identified as a person of interest. A file was opened with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), but the case stalled due to insufficient evidence.
However, the second incident on 17 July 2025 reignited national attention. Edward Maingi Ndegwa was discovered dead in Ward 7B with a deep neck wound. A trail of blood led investigators to Kalombotole’s side room, where police recovered a blood-stained sheet and a pair of slippers. A suspected murder weapon—a knife wrapped in gloves—was later found near a ward window.
Homicide detectives immediately placed Kalombotole under arrest, and he is currently in police custody awaiting arraignment. Investigations are ongoing, with critical evidence, including blood samples and the recovered weapon, submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory.
In a statement, Kenyatta National Hospital explained Kalombotole’s prolonged presence at the facility. “After being discharged, the patient had no family or placement options. He was held temporarily as we coordinated with relevant agencies for his transfer. Later, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations advised that he remain under observation while investigations into the first incident continued,” read part of the hospital’s explanation.
Hospital insiders, however, expressed concern over the state of security in the wards. Both incidents occurred in areas where CCTV cameras were reportedly non-functional. Authorities have pledged to audit and upgrade surveillance infrastructure.
Kalombotole’s legal team is urging for a psychiatric evaluation, insisting he should not be held in police custody. “This is a person clearly in need of medical attention, not incarceration. We are calling on the authorities to prioritise his health and safety,” said his lawyer during an interview.
The disturbing murders have prompted widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s mental health support systems, especially for individuals without social or family support.
As forensic investigations continue, the case is expected to test the balance between legal accountability and mental health protection in Kenya’s justice system.
