Authorities say the 52-year-old male patient, who was reportedly physically disabled, was discovered dead in his bed at Ward Seven on the afternoon of Thursday, July 17, 2025. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since launched a probe to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to initial witness accounts, the patient was found in blood-soaked beddings shortly after visiting hours, around 2 p.m. In a statement released hours later, KNH Chief Executive Officer William Sigilai confirmed the tragic incident and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm an incident regarding the tragic death of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital. On the afternoon of July 17, 2025, at around 2 p.m., immediately after visiting hours, a patient was discovered in a medical ward in blood-soaked beddings. The patient was examined and certified dead,” said Sigilai.
The hospital administration reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other relevant security agencies. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family during this difficult time,” the CEO added.
KNH has promised full cooperation with the authorities and launched an internal investigation to uncover what transpired. The hospital also assured the public of its ongoing commitment to safety and pledged to provide updates as more information emerges.
This is the second such case to occur at KNH this year. In February, a patient was found fatally stabbed inside the hospital under similarly unclear circumstances. The February 6 incident, also in Ward Seven, involved an unidentified intruder who reportedly entered the ward and attacked the patient with a kitchen knife. That case, too, raised serious questions about the hospital’s security protocols.
The recurrence of such a tragic event in the same ward has renewed public outcry and calls for an urgent overhaul of security and patient protection measures at the facility.
As investigations continue, the Ministry of Health is yet to release a public statement addressing the matter or outlining steps to enhance patient safety in the wake of the second murder this year at the national hospital.
