DCI Unmask Hitman Behind 2 KNH Ward Murders

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have made a breakthrough in the recent murder of a patient inside one of the wards of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), as well as a similar one that occurred in February this year.

On Friday, July 18, DCI reported that homicide detectives arrested Kennedy Kalombotole, identified as the prime suspect in the brutal killing of a patient at KNH.

Kalombotole's arrest follows the murder of the patient identified as Edward Maingi Ndegwa, who was found dead on July 17, 2025, while admitted to Ward 7B, Group C (Male), where he had been receiving treatment since July 11, 2025.

According to DCI, initial reports indicated that a ward nurse conducted a routine check on the patient at approximately 11:30 a.m., recording stable vitals. At around 12:30 p.m., a relative visited and found the patient in stable condition, leaving shortly after 1:30 p.m.

Collage of Kennedy Kalombotole, the prime suspect behind the gruesome Kenyatta National Hospital ward murder on July 17, 2025. /DCI

However, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a hospital cleaner noticed blood pooling around the patient's neck. What detectives who responded to the scene found next hinted at an individual with hitman tactics.

"Upon visiting the scene, detectives noticed bloody slipper prints from the victim’s bedside to a nearby toilet and eventually to a side room, where the suspect, Kalombotole, was admitted. In the room, investigators recovered a pair of blue slippers and a blood-stained bedsheet.

"Also, on the ground, directly to the 7th floor where the window to the deceased's ward is, they recovered a knife wrapped in gloves," stated the DCI in part.

The recovered items were forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for detailed forensic analysis to augment the case.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Kalombotole, admitted to the hospital since December 1, 2024, is also the prime suspect in the unresolved murder of Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, 40, who was killed inside Ward 7C between February 6 and 7, 2025.

Both murders occurred at Ward 7, a clear indication that the suspect targeted patients at that ward. It, however, remains unclear whether the two deceased were the suspects' primary targets or if they just appeared by chance. The former would explore the angle of the suspect possibly luring his targets to the hospital ward by way of admission for some major health reason, only to kill them.

DCI's statement corroborates a report on Citizen TV, which revealed that police identified the suspect linked to the July 17 murder and linked him also to the February killing.

Following the latest incident, a case file has been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). However, the ODPP has instructed investigators to conduct additional inquiries to strengthen the case ahead of prosecution.

Kalombotole has since been taken into police custody as investigations continue, pending arraignment. Earlier, KNH confirmed that the patient was found "in a medical ward in blood-soaked beddings."

This murder and the February case have raised serious concerns regarding the security of patients admitted to the country's largest referral hospital. The 52-year-old man, who was reportedly physically disabled, was discovered dead on his bed in Ward Seven, according to witnesses.