The Kenyatta National Hospital /FILE
The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) now says that Gilbert Kinyua, the patient who was found killed in one of the wards was stable despite suffering from a rare neurological condition.
According to Kenyatta National Hospital acting CEO Dr William Sigilai, Kinyua was referred to KNH from St. Mary’s Hospital Lang’ata in December last year.
He would then be admitted to a ward that specialised in the management of patients with neurological conditions.
“Mr Kinyua was referred to KNH from St. Mary's Hospital, Lang'ata on December 11, 2024. He was admitted to Ward 7B, which specializes in the management of patients with nervous system disorders, otherwise known as neurological conditions," Sigilai said.
“We wish to clarify that this ward is not designated for mental health conditions as has been erroneously reported in some quarters."
Sigilai spoke to the press on Sunday.
It was then discovered that he had pressure ulcers resulting from prolonged immobility.
After a comprehensive evaluation by specialists at KNH, Sigilai said, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness.
“His condition was particularly severe, affecting all his limbs. He therefore required total nursing care, including tube feeding. Despite the severity of his condition, his status had remained stable under our care,” he said.
The day before he was found dead, the hospital said Kinyua's condition was observed to be stable, and the day proceeded as normal.
“The night shift team took over without noting any undue concerns. The nursing staff attended to him at 9 pm, midnight and 3 am and no abnormalities were reported during these routine checks," Sigilai said.
“However, on Friday early morning at approximately 6 am, during the nurses' ward rounds, Mr Kinyua was found with his face covered by a blood-stained sheet. Upon uncovering him, the nurse discovered that he was motionless, with a cut wound on his neck.”
The hospital said it remains committed to providing the family with all the necessary support and to support ongoing investigations surrounding the incident.
So far, the hospital says that it does not have any proof that the killer was from outside.
