MPs want homeless bedmate of patient murdered at KNH questioned
KNH representative William Sigilai told the committee that while the patient had been officially discharged, he was later returned after the shelter refused to keep him, citing disruptive behaviour.
Investigations into the brutal murder of Gilbert Kinyua inside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have taken a new turn after Members of Parliament urged authorities to question his former bedmate as a person of interest.
The National Assembly's Health Committee, led by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, visited KNH on a fact-finding mission on Friday, where they learned that Kinyua's former bedmate had been discharged but remained within the hospital due to homelessness.
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The patient had been diagnosed with diabetes and convulsions but was later taken to a shelter through the hospital's intervention.
KNH representative William Sigilai told the committee that while the patient had been officially discharged, he was later returned after the shelter refused to keep him, citing disruptive behaviour.
"He is our old patient and is homeless. He had diabetes and convulsions and was previously treated here but could not be discharged due to his situation. We found him a shelter through one of our partners because we have several homeless patients at KNH. His fingerprints have been taken to the National Registration Bureau," Sigilai explained.
Mental state
However, concerns arose over the patient's mental state. Seme MP James Nyikal questioned whether his condition might have played a role in Kinyua's killing.
"I am interested in this patient. He has diabetes and convulsions, but what is his mental status? You and I know that convulsions are not always obvious seizures — sometimes they manifest as convulsive behaviour where a person acts without later recalling their actions," Nyikal remarked.
KNH officials confirmed that the matter remains under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The MPs also raised serious concerns about patient safety and hospital security following Kinyua's killing.
Pukose stated that while the committee was generally satisfied with KNH's response to the murder, there was a need to strengthen internal security.
"There is room for improvement, particularly on the internal front, to enhance security within the hospital. The focus has largely been on external threats, but we must also strengthen internal security to ensure the safety of both patients and staff," he said.
Tighter security measures
The committee recommended tighter security measures, including installing screening devices at hospital entry points to prevent weapons from being smuggled in.
With KNH receiving nearly 30,000 visitors daily, lawmakers emphasised the need for a system that ensures safety without causing unnecessary inconvenience.
Pukose reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to ensuring justice for Kinyua's family and urged patience as investigations continue.
"We hope they will conclude their investigations soon and ensure that those responsible for his death are arrested and charged in a court of law," he said.
Sigilai assured the committee that KNH was fully cooperating with investigators and had provided access to surveillance footage and hospital records.
"Our security team responded immediately after the incident was reported, and we have since provided full access to relevant records and surveillance footage to aid the investigation. We are committed to ensuring justice is served," said Sigilai.
He added that the hospital’s management had launched an internal review to identify possible security lapses that may have contributed to Kinyua's death.
"We have not failed to meet any of the family's requests. Our doors remain open, and we continue to support them through the impact of their loss. I am confident that, in due course, we will have addressed all their concerns," Sigilai stated.
Kinyua was found dead in Ward 7B on February 7, 2025, his throat slit by an unknown assailant.
The murder has since raised the alarm over the security of patients in the country's largest referral hospital.
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