The patient was found dead on Friday morning, February 7, with reports indicating that the incident took place in the psychiatric ward and may have resulted from an attack by another patient.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has revealed that it is working with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in investigations on the mysterious death of a patient in one of its wards.
The patient was found dead on Friday morning, February 7, with reports indicating that the incident took place in the psychiatric ward and may have resulted from an attack by another patient.
As the two patients had shared the ward’s cubicles, it is believed that a patient may have killed his roommate after bloodstains were discovered on his slippers. Furthermore, a knife with bloodstains was found and is suspected to have been used in the incident.
Responding to the reports, KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) William Sigilali confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the details of the incident.
Image of a crime scene. /VIRAL TEA KE
“We are deeply saddened to confirm an incident involving the tragic death of a patient at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family during this difficult time.Â
“The hospital is working closely with law enforcement authorities and has launched an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident,” the notice read in part.
The hospital expressed its condolences to the family while reassuring Kenyans of its dedication to safety and promising to share updates as more details emerge.
“Kenyatta National Hospital remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all. The safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors are our utmost priority,” the hospital’s CEO assured.
KNH has been on the spot before over security lapses. On January 2, 2024, a female doctor exposed a case where her phone was allegedly and violently snatched by a robber within the premises of the Nairobi-based medical facility.
In a series of posts, the doctor going by the moniker Addy Wambui narrated that she was leaving the KNH main theatre at exactly 7.37 pm on New Year’s Day when the thief snatched her phone.
Wambui lamented the security situation at the country’s major hospital and though the premises were robust with activity at the time, she was robbed within the precincts of her workplace, where she was from 8 am.
“Which begs the question, Are you safe in Kenyatta National Hospital? As a doctor, as a nurse, any medic really coming for work. You as a patient are you safe? As a relative coming to visit your patient does KNH assure you of your safety?” she posed.