Kennedy Kalombotole, the prime suspect in the mysterious murders of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), has been ordered to remain in custody at Mbagathi Hospital for 10 more days as investigations into his identity and health condition continue.
Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutahi of the Kibera Law Courts issued the directive on Thursday, noting Kalombotole’s lack of identification documents, known relatives, or fixed residence. The suspect, who appeared in court on July 24, continues to baffle investigators with his unknown background and questionable medical history.
“The court has considered the health condition of the suspect and the need for secure custody,” Magistrate Mutahi stated. She directed that he be held at Mbagathi Hospital under tight security supervised by the OCS Kilimani.
Medical reports presented to the court revealed that Kalombotole, who is both diabetic and epileptic, had missed critical doses of his medication while in police custody, leading to seizures during prior court appearances. Prosecutor James Gachoka explained that Kilimani Police Station lacks the cold storage facilities necessary for his medication, prompting the move to Mbagathi Hospital.
Defense counsel Philip Maiyo opposed continued detention at Kilimani and suggested Mama Lucy Kibaki or Mbagathi Hospital instead. He also requested that the court obtain Kalombotole’s medical records from KNH and Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
The prosecution rejected any proposal to return him to KNH, citing it as an active crime scene and a potential security risk to patients and staff.
Kalombotole was arrested on July 18 in connection with the deaths of Gilbert Kinyua in February and Edward Maingi Ndegwa earlier this month. Both victims were KNH patients found murdered under suspicious circumstances. CCTV footage in at least one of the wards was reportedly nonfunctional.
Investigators are now working with immigration and other government agencies to verify Kalombotole’s identity amid suspicions he may be using forged documents or aliases.
The court set August 2 as the next mention date for further directions, as detectives continue to piece together the suspect’s identity and potential involvement in the KNH murders.
