Authorities are investigating the tragic death of a mental ward patient at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) after a suspected suicide on Saturday, February 15. The incident has raised concerns about patient safety and security in healthcare facilities.
The deceased, identified as Enock Kisuru, 48, was found hanging on a window grill in an isolated ward. According to hospital CEO Dr. Phillip Kirwa, Kisuru had turned violent and was placed in a strong room to prevent harm to other patients and staff. “He used his clothes to commit suicide in the room where he was alone,” Dr. Kirwa confirmed.
The report was filed at Naiberi Police Station by Inspector of Police Philemon Sirwa, who heads the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) at MTRH. According to the police report, the patient had been isolated in the secure room at 12:30 PM due to violent behavior. When medical staff checked on him at 1:45 PM, they found him hanging.
Following the discovery, authorities were called to the scene to investigate. The police have since launched a probe into the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. The patient’s family was also notified and was expected at MTRH on Monday, February 17.
This incident comes just days after another shocking case at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where a patient, Geoffrey Kinyua, was murdered in his ward on February 7. The victim, who was receiving treatment for cerebral complications, was found with his throat slit by an unknown assailant. Despite ongoing investigations and several interrogations, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder.
The two incidents have sparked widespread concern over the security and welfare of patients in Kenyan hospitals. Mental health advocates have called for better monitoring of high-risk patients to prevent such tragedies. Experts emphasize the need for improved safety protocols, including round-the-clock surveillance and the deployment of adequately trained staff to handle psychiatric patients.
As authorities continue their investigations, the healthcare sector faces renewed pressure to strengthen security measures in hospitals nationwide. While hospitals serve as places of healing, these recent events highlight the urgent need to review protocols to ensure patient safety, especially for vulnerable individuals requiring specialized care.
MTRH is expected to release an official statement regarding Kisuru’s death, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
