The inquiry into the gruesome murder of Gilbert Kinyua , whose body was found in his hospital bed at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) three weeks ago, could take a new turn as MPs called for the victim's former bed mate to be questioned.
The National Assembly Health Committee on Friday learned that the patient in question was Mr Kinyua’s former bed mate at KNH Male Ward B and had been discharged at the time of the victim’s murder on February 7.
But despite having been treated and discharged, the patient, who had been diagnosed with diabetes and convulsions, remained at the hospital after his caregivers rejected him, citing his delinquency, the committee heard.
“He is our old patient and is homeless. He was initially treated here for diabetes and convulsions, but his condition did not allow him to be discharged,” stated KNH acting chief executive officer Dr William Sigilai.
“We found him a shelter through one of our partners because we have several homeless patients at KNH.”
The fingerprints of the patient in question have since been taken to the National Registration Bureau, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is currently handling the matter, according to Dr Sigilai.
“I am interested in this patient. What is his mental status? He had convulsions and diabetes,” inquired Seme MP James Nyikal, a member of the committee.
“You and I know convulsions are not always seizures; sometimes they manifest as convulsive behaviour, where a person acts without later recalling their behaviour.”
The development came even as a fact-finding mission conducted by the committee, chaired by Endebbes MP Robert Pukose, uncovered an alarmingly weak internal security measure at Kenya’s largest referral hospital.
Dr Pukose disclosed that while KNH has reinforced its security controls, including a police station within the facility, there is still much to be done to safeguard patients and hospital workers from internal threats.
Kenyatta National Hospital entrance pictured on February 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
In particular, Dr Pukose pointed out the lack of stringent screening measures at the entry points to the wards, despite the facility receiving thousands of visitors during visiting hours, raising the risk of weapons passing undetected.
“We felt it was important, as part of the Health Committee’s mandate, to conduct a fact-finding mission to establish how secure the hospital is from both internal and external threats, and how safe our patients are when they are here,” stated Dr Pukose, addressing the press on Friday.
"Given that KNH receives at least 30,000 people each time, the hospital should, at the very least, have a screening device “so nobody brings a weapon.”
“From the briefing we received from the hospital, there is room for improvement, especially on the internal side, so that security can be beefed up. Internal security measures, such as setting up screening at entry points to check individuals and bags for those entering the hospital, need to be implemented,” said Dr Pukose.
On the issue of the victim’s former bed mate as a person of interest, Dr Pukose stated, “I will allow the DCI to do their investigation. We will reserve our comments so that we allow our agencies to do their work. We do not want to prejudice the investigation.”
He reiterated that the committee is committed to ensuring Mr Kinyua’s family gets justice and that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“The committee is satisfied with the progress the investigative agencies are making. We hope they will conclude their investigations so that those responsible can be arrested and charged in a court of law.”
He clarified that the post-mortem report was still with the DCI and had not yet been released, noting that KNH conducted an internal review to investigate any possible security lapses that may have contributed to Kinyua’s murder.
“We had pathologists from both the government and the family side. The results were taken to the DCI, and samples are being analysed by the government chemist,” stated the Endebbes MP.
“The hospital has done its part. The hospital is not an investigative agency; they only need to cooperate and ensure the culprits are brought to book.”
He added: “From the briefing they have given us, they are collaborating with other security agencies. There is a police station within KNH, plainclothes police officers around, and NSIS involvement. They have given us their report regarding hospital security. So far, the committee is satisfied, and where there are gaps, the Committee is willing to support the facility.”
"Up to this point, we have been open in revealing information that is within our control. We are not done with this matter. I cannot say we have failed to meet their requirements. We are still guiding them through the impact of losing their loved one, and I’m sure we will eventually meet all their requirements."
