Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is once again in the spotlight following the mysterious death of a patient, raising serious concerns about security and patient safety at the country’s largest referral facility. The disturbing incident occurred just four months after a similar case that shocked the nation, involving the killing of another patient within the same premises.
The latest victim, a 54-year-old male, was found dead in Ward 7B on Thursday afternoon. Reports indicate that the beddings on which the body lay were soaked in blood, painting a grim picture of the circumstances surrounding the death. Ward 7B is located directly opposite the ward where a previous victim, a 39-year-old man, was found with fatal injuries earlier this year, a coincidence that has intensified public concern.
According to hospital authorities, the patient was discovered motionless shortly after visiting hours, at around 2 pm. Medical personnel confirmed the death upon examination. The management described the incident as tragic and assured the public of full cooperation with ongoing investigations. The matter has already been escalated to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other relevant security agencies for a comprehensive probe.
Homicide detectives and forensic experts have since cordoned off the ward and commenced evidence collection to establish the cause of death and whether foul play was involved. Preliminary observations suggest the incident may not have been accidental, although investigators have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage.
This latest occurrence has amplified growing unease among Kenyans over safety lapses within the hospital. Questions are being raised about how such incidents could occur undetected in a facility that serves thousands of patients daily. Concerns have also been voiced about the absence or dysfunction of critical surveillance infrastructure, particularly CCTV cameras, which could have provided vital leads in both this and the previous case.
The back-to-back tragedies have sparked a public outcry, with calls for urgent measures to enhance security within the hospital. Patient advocacy groups and human rights organizations are demanding accountability and transparency in the investigative process. For many, the unanswered questions surrounding these deaths highlight systemic weaknesses that require immediate attention to prevent future occurrences.
As the probe continues, the families of the victims and the wider public await answers that could restore trust in the institution tasked with safeguarding lives, not becoming a site of recurring tragedies.
