KNH murders: Detectives probe why CCTV cameras in the ward were not functioning

Detectives probing the murder of Edward Maingi Ndegwa at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have revealed that CCTV cameras in the ward where the incident occurred were not functioning.

While police acknowledge that this could complicate the investigations, detectives say they have gathered sufficient evidence to charge Kennedy Kalombotole with the murder.

This as the accused’s lawyer is demanding his client's release from police custody to seek medical attention, citing a well-known mental illness.

The lawyer claims police rushed to make an arrest without adequate evidence and accuses authorities of using a mentally unstable patient as a scapegoat to conceal the real perpetrator behind the KNH murders.

Despite his calm and unassuming appearance, Kennedy has been linked to at least two gruesome murders; both victims killed in cold blood, in the same ward where he was also receiving treatment.

The similarities in the manner of death and location have raised serious concerns about patient safety at the facility.

The suspect is said to be homeless and suffers from diabetes among other chronic illnesses. He was first admitted to the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital in November 2022 but was later transferred to the general ward after stabilization. With no known relatives, Kennedy remained at the facility as KNH worked to trace his family.

In June 2024, the hospital secured a care home for him, but shortly after being relocated, he fell ill and was readmitted. He remained under KNH care until February 2025, when he was linked to the shocking murder of Gilbert Kinyua, whose body was found with a slit throat near Kennedy’s hospital bed.

While police suspected his involvement, there wasn’t enough evidence to charge him at the time. Investigators requested the hospital to continue hosting him as they pursued the case.

Six months later, Kennedy is once again at the center of another horrific killing; this time of 54-year-old Edward Maingi Ndegwa, who was also found with his neck slit.

Investigators say they traced blood-stained footprints from the spot where Maingi’s body was discovered, leading directly to Kennedy’s hospital bed.

A small kitchen knife, believed to be the murder weapon was also found hidden near the scene. Police allege that Kennedy attempted to cover up the killing by washing the bedsheets and slippers he was wearing at the time.

But his lawyer disputes this account, questioning why police have yet to formally present his client in court, despite the serious allegations.

Lawyer Philip Maiyo said: “The DPP could not approve those charges because they do not have sufficient evidence. The guy is very sickly, mentally unstable, suffering three known conditions, somehow this person was able to commit a murder and cover up evidence so he can conceal it…this is a circus...it must end.”

As police continued their investigations — including recording statements from KNH officials, security personnel, and nurses — Kennedy was briefly taken back to the hospital for a medical check-up before being returned to police custody.

His lawyer has faulted the arrest, arguing that police acted without sufficient evidence. He is now pushing for his client to be released on police bond to allow him access to proper medical treatment.

“He went back there for a check at KNH, it was discovered his blood sugar had shot up, this is a person with high sugar level, two diabetes and chronic issues…how such a person can be whisked from a hospital and be taken to a police station and we don’t have medics…today its Friday, he has not been presented in court….he will be arraigned on Monday, by that he will have spent over 80 hours in police cells without his medication…is a catastrophe going to happen?” Maiyo posed.

Investigators are, however, pushing to charge Kennedy based on what they term as strong circumstantial evidence linking him to the murders of Gilbert Kinyua and Edward Maingi — despite reports that the suspect is mentally unstable.

Police maintain they have gathered sufficient evidence to prove that Kennedy was responsible for Edward Maingi’s killing.

But according to Maiyo; “This man is not at flight risk...he has been accused of committing crimes before, in the same manner, same place, they went back and found him there…this man is homeless, he has no place to go…we seek he be taken back to hospital.”

More chilling details have emerged, further complicating the investigation. It has now been revealed that CCTV cameras were not operational in the ward at the time Edward Maingi was killed - the same situation reported during the murder of Gilbert Kinyua.

Investigators are now questioning why surveillance systems were down during both incidents and whether this could point to a possible cover-up.

Serious concerns are also being raised over why a mentally unstable patient, previously suspected of murder, was left unguarded — and, even more alarmingly, how he managed to access weapons to commit such acts within a highly secured facility.