Kennedy Kalombotole appeared before Magistrate Daizy Mutahi in a miscellaneous application in which the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking 21 days to complete investigations.
The prosecution told the court that the alleged offence was committed in a ward at the country's largest referral hospital.
Kalombotole, the court heard, had earlier been admitted at KNH and discharged, but was being held pending the conclusion of another similar case that occurred on the night of February 6–7, 2025.
The investigating officer, Corporal Bernard Muange of the Homicide Investigations Department, asked the court to detain the suspect for 21 days to allow a postmortem on the deceased, Edward Maingi Ndegwa, and preparation of a report.
Corporal Muange further requested the court’s permission to collect DNA samples from the suspect for forensic analysis.
"On July 17, the deceased Ndegwa was found murdered in his hospital bed at KNH Level 7B, Ward C, where he had been admitted on July 12," said Mr Muange.
He informed the court that KNH administrators had reported the murder to the DCI on the same day prompting the start of investigations.
Fingerprints have also been taken from the suspect to determine if he is linked to other criminal activities.
The prosecution argued that thorough investigations are necessary to establish the suspect's involvement in the crime and once complete, the case file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and guidance.
The court was also informed that Kalombotole is yet to undergo a mental assessment to determine his fitness to stand trial.
“In the interest of justice, we urge the court to exercise its discretion and grant the prosecution’s request,"” said Mr Muange.
He noted that the suspect was first arrested at KNH in November 2024, where he had also been admitted.
The court heard that Kalombotole has no known fixed residence and is therefore considered a flight risk.
The prosecution urged the court to deny him bail, citing the risk of absconding and interfering with investigations.
“The manner in which Ndegwa was murdered has caused public outrage. The incident remains fresh in the minds of the victim’s family, relatives, and the public. Given this context, the suspect’s safety is also at risk and it is in the interest of justice that he be held in custody,” the magistrate was told.
Magistrate Mutahi will rule on the prosecution’s application to detain the suspect on July 24, 2025.
