NAIROBI, Kenya — Homicide detectives have successfully apprehended Kennedy Kalombotole, identified as the prime suspect in the disturbing murder of a patient within a ward at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Kalombotole’s arrest follows the brutal killing of Edward Maingi Ndegwa, a patient who had been admitted to Ward 7B, Group C (Male). Ndegwa was discovered deceased on July 17, 2025, having been admitted to the prominent medical facility on July 11, 2025.
“Kalombotole’s arrest follows the brutal murder of Edward Maingi Ndegwa on July 17, 2025. Ndegwa was a patient admitted in Ward 7B, Group C (Male), on July 11, 2025,” the DCI stated.
According to initial reports detailed by investigators, a ward nurse had last checked on the patient at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the incident, taking his blood pressure. A relative subsequently visited Ndegwa at 12:30 p.m., finding him stable, and departed the ward around 1:30 p.m. However, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a cleaner conducting routine rounds in the corridor made a horrifying discovery: blood pooling around the patient’s neck.
Upon their arrival at the scene, detectives observed distinct bloody slipper prints leading from the victim’s bedside to a nearby toilet and then extending to an adjacent side room where the suspect, Kalombotole, was himself admitted. Inside this room, investigators located and recovered a pair of blue slippers and a blood-stained bedsheet.
Further examination outside the hospital, directly beneath the 7th floor window of the deceased’s ward, led to the recovery of a knife wrapped in gloves. All recovered items have since been forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for detailed analysis, which is deemed crucial for strengthening the prosecution’s case.
Preliminary investigations have unearthed a deeply disturbing pattern: Kennedy Kalombotole, who was admitted to KNH on December 1, 2024, is also now being considered the prime suspect in the murder of 40-year-old Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni. Muthoni was tragically murdered in Ward 7C during the night of February 6th and 7th, 2025.
Also Read: Kenyan vendor Boniface Kariuki, shot by police during protests has tragically died
Following the latest incident, a comprehensive case file was compiled and subsequently submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
However, after a thorough review of the file, the ODPP directed the Investigating Officer to undertake further inquiries, deeming them necessary to reinforce the prosecution’s case ahead of a potential trial.
Meanwhile, Kalombotole is currently in police custody, undergoing the necessary processing, and is expected to be arraigned in court soon as investigations continue.
