NAIROBI, Kenya – Investigations into the gruesome murder of Gilbert Kinyua took a new turn on Friday, February 21, 2025, after the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health urged investigative agencies to consider his former bedmate as a person of interest in the murder case.
The committee, chaired by Endebess MP (Dr.) Robert Pukose, during a fact-finding mission to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), learned that Kinyua’s former bedmate in Ward 7B had been diagnosed with diabetes and convulsions.
Although he was treated and discharged, he remained at the hospital after his caregivers refused to take him back, citing his misconduct.
Dr. William Sigilai, representing Dr. Evanson N. Kamuri, Chief Executive Officer of KNH, informed the MPs that the patient in question had been discharged at the time of Kinyua’s death.
“He is our old patient and is homeless. He was previously treated for diabetes and convulsions and later discharged to a shelter we secured through one of our partners, as we have several homeless patients. However, after his most recent discharge, his former caregivers refused to take him back, citing his disruptive behaviour,” Dr. Sigilai stated, adding that his fingerprints have been submitted to the National Registration Bureau.
Why the matter of Gilbert Kinyua’s ex-bedmate is still with the DCI
However, Seme MP James Nyikal interjected, saying:
“I am interested in this patient. He has diabetes and convulsions, but what is his mental status? You and I know that convulsions are not always obvious seizures—sometimes, they manifest as convulsive behaviour, where a person acts without later recalling their actions.”
However, Dr. Sigilai explained that the patient had been treated and discharged but did not leave the hospital as he was homeless.
Although KNH had previously secured a shelter for him, he was later brought back after the facility refused to readmit him due to his disruptive behaviour.
“The matter is still with the DCI,” he added.
Why Kenyatta National Hospital is in the spotlight yet again
The circumstances surrounding Kinyua’s gruesome murder have raised serious concerns about patient safety and hospital security within the country’s largest referral facility.
The committee members expressed their shock and dismay over the incident, calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Addressing a press conference after touring KNH and assessing the safety measures in place for both patients and staff, Dr. Pukose stated that his committee was generally satisfied with the briefings from the hospital management. However, he emphasized the need for internal security improvements.
“There is room for improvement, particularly on the internal front, to enhance security within the hospital,” he said.
“The focus has largely been on external threats, but we must also strengthen internal security to ensure the safety of both patients and staff. That is the key takeaway from our findings.”
Why the Parliamentary Committee on Health is satisfied with the investigating agencies
Regarding the gruesome murder of Kinyua, Dr. Pukose stated that the committee is satisfied with the progress made by investigative agencies.
“We hope they will conclude their investigations soon and ensure that those responsible for his death are arrested and charged in a court of law,” he said.
Dr. Pukose emphasised the need to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct its investigations independently and without interference to ensure impartial findings.
“We are here as Parliament to ensure that the family gets justice and to establish who is responsible for this unfortunate death. That is why we are satisfied with the investigations being conducted by the DCI and the cooperation they have received from the hospital administration to ensure a thorough process,” Dr. Pukose stated.
Sen. @scherargei seeks a Statement from the Standing Committee on Health regarding the murder of Mr. Gilbert Kinyua, a patient admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Friday, 7th February, 2025. #BungeLiveSEN
“When the post-mortem was conducted, both government and independent pathologists were present. The results have not been released to the hospital but have been handed over to the DCI. Additionally, samples have been sent to the government chemist for analysis. We believe this is the right course of action, and the hospital has acted promptly,” he added.
Why KHN must cooperate fully with investigative agencies
However, he clarified that the hospital management is not an investigative agency but must cooperate fully to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The committee recommended enhanced security measures at KNH, emphasising internal security and routine patient checkups.
They also suggested installing screening devices at entry points to prevent weapons from being brought in, considering the hospital receives approximately 30,000 visitors daily.
“The committee will support the implementation of internal security measures at KNH, including the installation of screening devices at entry points to check both individuals and their belongings. Given that the hospital receives nearly 30,000 visitors daily, it may not be feasible to record every individual, but ensuring that all visitors pass through a screening system will help prevent weapons from being brought in,” Dr. Pukose stated.
National Assembly’s Health Committee Chairman Robert Pukose, accompanied by committee Vice Chair Patrick Munene, member Joshua Oron, Martin Owino , Kenyatta National Hospital Ag. CEO Dr. William Sigilai during a fact-finding mission into the circumstances surrounding the tragic…
Dr. Sigilai, in his submission, assured the committee that KNH was fully cooperating with investigative agencies and had already provided relevant information to law enforcement officers handling the case.
What KNH is doing to unravel the mystery behind Gilbert Kinyua’s death
He also stated that the hospital management had launched an internal review to establish any security lapses that may have contributed to Kinyua’s death.
“Our security team responded immediately after the incident was reported, and we have since provided full access to relevant records and surveillance footage to aid the investigation. We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” said Dr. Sigilai.
Dr. Sigilai emphasised that the hospital management has been fully cooperative in handling the matter, maintaining transparency with the family by sharing all available information.
“We have not failed to meet any of their requests. Our doors remain open, and we continue to support them through the impact of their loss. I am confident that, in due course, we will have addressed all their concerns,” he stated.
