The Kenyatta National Hospital management has allayed fears of insecurity at the health facility following the shocking murder of an admitted patient.
In a statement on Sunday February 9, 2025, KNH Medical Services Director Dr. William Sigilai said that despite the security breach, no alarm should be raised about the safety of patients and visitors since the hospital observes a high-level security procedure at its entrances and exits.
This comes barely two days after a patient identified as Gilbert Kinyua Muthoni, 39, was found murdered on a hospital bed with a slit throat on Friday morning.
Dr. Sigilal explained that the hospital has reported the incident to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to identify the killers and the motive behind the crime at KNH.
“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 investigation,” stated Dr. Sigilai.
He added that all CCTV footage from Ward 7B has been availed to DCI detectives, revealing that no CCTV cameras are installed in patient rooms for privacy reasons but they have been installed in all alleys.
“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,” read part of the statement.
According to the Medical Director, KNH has an elaborate security system in place, including CCTV cameras in strategic locations within the facility.
He added that officers from the National Police Service are stationed within the health facility and in close proximity to a police post.
He further noted that the hospital is now on high alert to prevent the occurrence of a similar incident as another was witnessed in 2015.
