NAIROBI — Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the Kenyatta National Hospital double homicide case, has been forced to remain in the casualty wing of Mbagathi Hospital due to bed shortage dispute. This comes three days after a court directed his admission for psychiatric and medical evaluation.
Instead of a hospital bed, Kalombotole has been sleeping handcuffed on a stretcher under police watch inside the emergency department.
Mbagathi Hospital management says it cannot comply with the court’s directive due to a bed shortage and concerns over safety. “Our male medical wards are full,” Dr. Alex Irungu, the hospital’s chief executive, said Saturday. “We are treating him in casualty, but the most appropriate facility is Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, where there are specialized mental health services and better security.”
The Nairobi court had ordered that Kalombotole be observed for ten days under medical supervision. The suspect had reportedly suffered convulsions and remains under close police guard. However, the hospital insists it lacks the capacity to safely manage his condition.
Kalombotole’s attorney, Philip Maiyo, says the hospital is ignoring a valid legal order. “The hospital has blatantly refused to admit him,” Maiyo told reporters. “His condition has worsened. He had a serious convulsion last night and has yet to receive the proper care a court has directed.”
Kalombotole is accused of two murders that took place inside KNH hospital. The crimes sparked national outrage and raised new concerns about patient and staff safety in public health institutions.
Though emergency care is being administered, the full evaluation required by the court has not begun. Mbagathi officials say they are preparing to return to court to request a revision of the initial order.
“We expect the County Attorney to act,” Dr. Irungu said. “The court needs to hear why Mbagathi cannot safely admit the suspect and why Mathari is better equipped to handle this case.”
As the legal and medical impasse stretches on, Kalombotole remains stranded in hospital hallway due to bed shortage dispute, hospital, a court order, and a justice system struggling to enforce its directives.
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