Court Orders Medical Records for Suspect in KNH Murder Case

A Nairobi court has taken a critical step in the investigation of a murder at Kenyatta National Hospital by ordering the production of medical records for the prime suspect, Kennedy Kalombotole. The case has raised concerns over security and safety within the hospital grounds.

Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutai directed that detailed medical reports from both KNH and Nairobi Women’s Hospital be submitted ahead of the next hearing. This move comes as the prosecution seeks to detain Kalombotole for 21 days at Kilimani Police Station to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete its inquiries into the July 17 killing. The deceased, identified as Edward, was found with injuries resembling those of another patient murdered in the same ward earlier this year.

Prosecutors revealed that Kalombotole was in contact with the deceased shortly before his death, and DNA samples from the suspect are needed to compare with bloodstains recovered at the scene. Investigations also await a postmortem report, a mental health assessment, and a scene reconstruction exercise, all considered unsafe if the suspect is released. The State argued that Kalombotole’s lack of permanent residence and risk of witness interference justify continued detention.

The defence, however, challenged the application, highlighting Kalombotole’s chronic illnesses and homelessness. His lawyer argued that medical care should take priority and questioned how two murders could occur within the same hospital ward months apart without CCTV footage. They insisted that being a hospital patient should not automatically make Kalombotole a suspect.

Magistrate Mutai ruled that Kalombotole remains in custody while the court awaits the medical records due on July 24. The case leaves unanswered questions about hospital security and the broader implications for patient safety at Kenyatta National Hospital.