KNH: From a treatment centre to a crime scene
In a year on average, at least 70,000 patients are admitted at KNH
The slaughter of 39-year-old Gilbert Kinyua inside Ward 7B on the seventh floor of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the largest national referral hospital in the country has once again thrust the facility into a new crime scene even as Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives attached to Homicide Investigations Bureau zero in on the murder most-foul foul as the probe enter the third day today.
On Friday February 7, 2025 in the morning, Kinyua’s lifeless body was discovered covered on his hospital bed with his throat slit by an unknown assailant.
The motive of the murder is yet to be determined.
Kinyua had been admitted to KNH on December 11, 2024, due to a cerebral disorder, officials said.
Police who visited the scene said the ward where Kinyua was admitted had another patient who was seeking treatment for the same condition.
The patient was weak and could not explain anything about what transpired before and after the bizarre incident was reported, officials said. He is among the possible suspects in the murder.
“Earlier (Friday), someone sneaked into award at the Hospital and slit a patient’s throat open. The patient died on the spot. The perpetrator and the incident was not captured by CCTV cameras. KNH assures patients of safety after a stabbing incident inside a ward.” A statement by the hospital management read in part.
The deceased was discovered with his throat slit at Ward 7B at around 6am during early ward checks.
A nurse informed the KNH Internal Security of this murder.
According, to a Police report, a blood stained knife was discovered dropped at first floor “outer” top roof area. No arrests so far have been made with DCI Kilimani investigating the matter.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm an incident involving the tragic death of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family during this difficult time. The Hospital is working closely with law enforcement authorities and has launched an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident. Kenyatta National Hospital remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all. The safety and well-being of our patients, staff and visitors are our utmost priority. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.” Acting KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kiprono Sigilai in a separate statement stated.
In 2016, KNH Management came under fire for a failed probe into killing of patient in the ward. The facility that is over a century old has had strange cases of cleaners administering medicines to patients. There have been several complaints as well of the emergency section turnaround time for medical emergencies are usually as much as 10 hours.
Nine years ago, Cosmas Mutunga, a 42-year-old procurement manager, was found dead in November 2015 after being stabbed repeatedly inside Ward 8C. Mutunga was attacked while sharing the ward with an incapacitated cancer patient who was unable to raise an alarm. Three nurses were on duty on the night of his killing, but none reported hearing or witnessing the attack.
The hospital that caters for almost 5,000 at any single time has a current ratio of 3:47 on nurses against clients. Numerous times the hospital has faced issues around clinical and surgical mishaps from staff with some going unpunished.
In a year on average, at least 70,000 patients are admitted at KNH, most of them in critical condition. On weekdays up to 80 patients are operated on daily. The cost of treating them often falls on the hospital. This has meant the hospital is deeply weighed down by debt in terms of offsetting service providers’ fees and facility management.
