NAIROBI, Kenya – A Nairobi court has ordered that Kennedy Kalombotole, the prime suspect in two murders at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), be detained at Mbagathi Hospital due to his mental health condition.
Kalombotole, accused of killing two patients at KNH in separate incidents in February and July 2025, will not be held in a police station after the court found him medically unfit for standard custody.
“It is clear that the suspect is unwell. What I am gathering is that it is something that requires close monitoring,” said Kibera Magistrate Daisy Mutai during a hearing on Thursday.
Police Unable to Provide Care
Officers from Kilimani Police Station told the court they lacked the necessary resources to continue detaining Kalombotole, citing the absence of required medication, medical personnel, and a suitable diet for his condition.
They also revealed the suspect had not been eating, and they lacked the capacity to enforce any form of feeding routine.
The prosecution had opposed any move to return Kalombotole to Kenyatta National Hospital, arguing it would endanger patients and staff.
His lawyers had instead requested a transfer to Mama Lucy or Mbagathi hospitals, where specialized care could be provided.
Shocking Murders Inside Hospital Ward
Kalombotole is accused of killing 38-year-old Edward Maingi—who was bedridden after suffering a stroke—by slitting his throat in July.
A postmortem conducted at the Kenyatta Funeral Home confirmed that Maingi died from excessive bleeding due to deep throat lacerations.
The earlier murder, believed to have occurred in February under similar circumstances, is still under investigation, with police describing the suspect as extremely dangerous.
The case has sparked concerns over security protocols at public hospitals and the management of patients with mental health conditions.
