A major breakthrough has been made in the investigation into two gruesome killings at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, with the arrest of the main suspect, Kennedy Kalombotole. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has identified Kalombotole as the alleged perpetrator behind the murders of two patients, Edward Maingi Ndegwa and Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, both occurring within the hospital premises.

Edward Maingi Ndegwa, a physically disabled patient admitted to Ward 7B on July 11, 2025, was found dead on the afternoon of July 17, 2025. According to reports, a nurse had checked on Ndegwa at 11:30 AM, taking his blood pressure. A relative visited at 12:30 PM, finding him stable, and left the ward around 1:30 PM. Approximately 30 minutes later, at 2:00 PM, a cleaner discovered a pool of blood around the patient’s neck, initiating the discovery of the crime.

Upon arrival at the scene, detectives observed bloody slipper prints leading from Ndegwa’s bedside to a nearby toilet and then to a side room where the suspect, Kalombotole, was admitted. Inside this room, investigators recovered a pair of blue slippers and a blood-stained bedsheet. Further evidence was found outside, directly beneath the seventh-floor window of Ndegwa’s ward: a knife wrapped in gloves. These recovered items have been forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for detailed analysis to strengthen the case against the suspect.

Investigations further revealed that Kennedy Kalombotole, who was admitted to KNH on December 1, 2024, is also the prime suspect in the murder of 40-year-old Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni. Muthoni was tragically killed in Ward 7C during the night of February 6-7, 2025, indicating a pattern of violent incidents attributed to the same individual within the hospital.

Photo Credit: KBC Digital

KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Sigilai addressed the public, expressing profound sadness over the incidents. In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Dr. Sigilai conveyed the hospital’s thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families, emphasizing the tragic nature of the events.

Following the discovery of Ndegwa's body, top officers, including Kilimani Police Commander Patricia Yegon and DCI Kilimani boss Hussein Mahat, spent Thursday afternoon gathering crucial evidence at the scene. The suspect, Kennedy Kalombotole, is currently in custody and undergoing processing, pending arraignment in court. The ongoing investigation aims to fully uncover the circumstances surrounding both killings and ensure justice for the victims.