FRESH DETAILS EXPOSE DPP’S INACTION IN KNH MURDER CASE

Fresh revelations have exposed apparent inaction by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in the high-profile Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) murder case, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
According to an investigative report, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concluded its probe into the February 6 murder of patient Gilbert Kinyua and forwarded the file to the ODPP on June 30, 2025, recommending charges against a fellow patient, Kennedy Kalombotole. The suspect had been linked to the crime through forensic evidence, witness accounts, and CCTV footage.
Despite the compelling evidence, the ODPP allegedly failed to act promptly, instead requesting further investigations. The delay proved costly. On July 17, another patient, Edward Maingi Ndegwa, was found murdered in similar circumstances at KNH, reigniting public concern over safety at the national referral hospital.
Only after the second murder did the ODPP move to press charges against Kalombotole. Legal experts and human rights groups have condemned the delay, accusing the DPP’s office of "sleeping on the job" and undermining justice.
“The DPP had enough to prosecute after the first murder. Their inaction allowed a second tragedy to occur,” said a senior criminal lawyer who declined to be named.
Meanwhile, the identity of the suspect remains unverified, with government agencies unable to trace his records. He has been described as a homeless man with underlying health conditions, including epilepsy and diabetes.
Following his arrest, Kalombotole was ordered to be held at Mbagathi Hospital under secure custody. However, due to overcrowding, the suspect was allegedly left shackled in a hallway for days, sparking further criticism over the handling of the case.
The ODPP has not responded to the claims. Civil society organizations are now calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the DPP's role and possible systemic failures that led to the second fatality.
The KNH murders have exposed not only lapses in the justice system but also deep structural issues in Kenya’s public health and legal institutions. The public awaits further developments as the case heads to court.