Nearly a week after a patient was killed inside a ward at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, the hospital’s management, in its latest statement on the incident, has raised concerns about a possible take-out job from inside the facility (possibly involving other patients or staff).
Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) William Sigilali stated that there was no evidence suggesting an outsider had entered the hospital to commit the crime.
Sigilali announced that they had since handed over the case to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations(DCI), acknowledging that the incident indeed happened in their wards.
”Let me state that at this point, we actually do not have evidence that anybody walked in and committed the said crime. We know for a fact the patient was murdered in the ward,” Sigilali stated.
The Accident and Emergency entrance at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Kenyans.co.ke
”We have handed over the matter to the DCI. There is every chance that this person did not walk in in the manner described earlier but we trust the DCI to unravel the mystery,” head added.
Here is the CEO’s blow-by-blow account;
Mr Kinyua was referred to KNH from St. Mary’s Hospital, Lang’ata on December 11, 2024.
He was admitted to Ward 7B, which specializes in the management of patients with nervous system disorders, otherwise known as neurological conditions. We wish to clarify that this ward is not designated for mental health conditions as has been erroneously reported in some quarters.
Upon admission, it was noted that Mr Kinyua had pressure ulcers resulting from prolonged immobility.
After a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness. His condition was particularly severe, affecting all his limbs. He therefore required total nursing care, including tube feeding.
Despite the severity of his condition, his status had remained stable under our care.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Mr Kinyua’s condition was observed to be stable, and the day proceeded as normal. The night shift team took over without noting any undue concerns.
The nursing staff attended to him at 9:00 pm, midnight and 3:00 am and no abnormalities were reported during these routine checks.
However, on Friday early morning at approximately 6 am, during the nurses’ ward rounds, Mr Kinyua was found with his face covered by a blood-stained sheet. Upon uncovering him, the nurse discovered that he was motionless, with a cut wound on his neck.
The nurse immediately alerted her colleagues, security personnel, the attending doctor, and the hospital’s management.
The area was immediately cordoned off as a crime scene and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was notified. The DCI responded promptly and has taken full charge of the investigation.
The next of kin were promptly contacted and requested to come to the hospital.
Our team of psychologists and counsellors were mobilised to provide support to the family and to break the sad news to them.
Recognising the profound grief and trauma experienced by the family, we have established a 24-hour helpline to offer ongoing psychological support. A second counselling session was held yesterday with a larger group of family members.
KNH is cooperating fully with the law enforcement agencies and is committed not to prejudice the ongoing investigation. The post-mortem examination of the deceased’s body will be conducted as directed by the DCI.
KNH has an elaborate security system in place, including CCTV cameras in common areas. Additionally, we have officers from the National Police Service stationed within the hospital, and we are in close proximity to a police post.
In light of this incident, we have heightened and enhanced security measures across the hospital to ensure the safety of more than 1,800 patients, staff, and all visitors.
The KNH management is deeply saddened by this tragic event and remains committed to transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process.
We assure the public that we are taking all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. We urge the public to allow the DCI to conduct its investigations without interference and to refrain from speculation that may cause further distress to the family.
Again, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late Mr Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni. We stand with them during this painful time and will continue to provide all necessary support.
Accident and emergency entrance at Kenyatta National Hospital.
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