Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has clarified what happened to a bullet recovered from a patient who was treated for injuries sustained during a shooting incident in Gikomba.
The hospital said the projectile was preserved as part of the patient's medical and evidentiary records before being handed over to investigating officers through the appropriate legal and investigative procedures.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 9, KNH said it had taken note of media reports concerning the bullet recovered during the patient's treatment.
The hospital stressed that the bullet was retained and handled in accordance with established procedures.
“The Hospital wishes to clarify that the bullet/projectile recovered during medical management was retained and preserved as part of the relevant medical and evidentiary records,” the statement read in part.
KNH explained that items recovered from patients during treatment are subject to established procedures and may be handed over to investigators for further examination.
“In accordance with established procedures, such recovered items are handed over to investigating officers through the appropriate judicial and investigative process for further handling and forensic examination," added the statement.
The clarification means the bullet has been preserved as potential evidence as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
KNH also pledged to cooperate with the relevant authorities and provide any medical records or other information required through the appropriate channels. The statement was signed by Dr. Joel Lessan, Senior Director of Clinical Services at KNH.
The patient was among those injured during the Gikomba shooting and was rushed to KNH for treatment. Doctors removed the bullet lodged in the patient's body during medical management.
Moreen Nduku, a mother of one from Pipeline Estate, was shot dead by a police officer at Gikomba Market. Her family is now seeking justice following her death on Friday at KNH, where she had been undergoing treatment for four days.
The bullet that struck Moreen reportedly passed through her body before hitting 16-year-old Abdalla Lihan and becoming lodged in his leg. Abdalla was rushed to KNH, where doctors operated to remove the projectile.
However, Lihan’s family has raised concerns over the whereabouts of the bullet after it was removed from his leg.
The family alleges that the projectile has since disappeared, raising questions about how the evidence was handled.
Reports indicate that the police officer allegedly involved in the shooting was attached to Shauri Moyo Police Station. Further parallel investigations by VOCAL Africa reportedly established that officers linked to Shauri Moyo Police Station were present around the KNH ward where Abdalla was receiving treatment.
According to the organisation, the officers repeatedly asked when Abdalla would be taken to the operating theatre, raising suspicions over their interest in the timing of the procedure.
VOCAL Africa alleges that the officers’ presence and repeated inquiries were part of an attempt to interfere with or conceal evidence related to the shooting.
The organisation has also raised questions over the response of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), accusing the police watchdog of remaining silent since the incident was first reported.
VOCAL Africa is now seeking answers on why IPOA has yet to publicly address the allegations surrounding the shooting, the treatment of the victims and the handling of the bullet recovered from Abdalla’s leg.
