The hospital assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.Kenyatta National Hospital has confirmed the death of a patient under what it described as “unclear circumstances,” raising fresh concerns over patient safety at Kenya’s largest referral facility.
In a statement Thursday evening, KNH said the tragic incident was discovered in the afternoon when hospital staff found the patient lying dead in blood-soaked bedding.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm an incident regarding the tragic death of a patient at Kenyatta National Hospital,” the statement signed by Dr. William Sigilai on behalf of hospital CEO, Dr Evanson Kamuri, said.
According to the hospital, the patient was discovered around 2pm shortly after visiting hours and was promptly examined and certified dead.
KNH added that the matter had been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other government security agencies for further action.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family during this difficult time,” Dr Sigilai said.
The hospital assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This is the latest in a string of incidents that have put the spotlight on safety lapses within public hospitals, particularly at KNH.
Earlier, police and hospital officials confirmed that the male patient was found dead in his bed with his throat cut.
One witness added that the man's throat had been slit, with other witnesses saying the victim was physically disabled.
Kilimani Police Commander Patricia Yegon said the incident was being treated as a murder case.
She spent most of Thursday afternoon at the scene with her DCI counterpart Hussein Mahat as part of the murder investigation.
A review of CCTV footage to identify the killer is part of the investigations.
The incident is the second to occur at the hospital this year.
On February 7, a 39-year-old male patient was discovered dead with a slit throat in his bed at the referral hospital.
A postmorterm examination revealed that the wound went about three centimeters deep, causing his death.
