Kenyan psychiatric nurse killed by patient in US

June Onkundi succumbed to stab wounds inflicted by a psychiatric patient. [Courtesy]

A Kenyan psychiatric nurse based in the United States of America has been stabbed to death by a patient.

June Onkundi was born and raised in Kisii County before moving to the US where she was working as a nurse practitioner in Durham City.

According to reports by the US authorities, Onkundi was attacked with a knife by one of her mentally ill patients, killing her on the spot.

The incident happened on Tuesday last week. [October 18].

A statement released by North Carolina Nurses Association President Meka Ingram on Thursday, eulogised the deceased as a hardworking and committed staff.

According to Ingrm, Onkundi dedicated her life to helping others and her colleagues were proud of the positive impact she had on some of the most vulnerable patients. Then said 'her loss has shaken the nursing profession throughout North Carolina.'

"Violence in the workplace is one of the greatest challenges facing nurses, and the problem has grown exponentially over the last few years. It is my desperate hope that June Onkundi's death serves as a turning point and that those of us in healthcare can truly begin to address this problem." The statement read in part.

The suspect is a 47-year-old, James Gomes, and is set to face a first-degree murder charge.

The suspect is due back in court on November 9 for a hearing.

While being charged, a prosecutor in court noted Gomes has five previous convictions, all related to violence against women and that he has spent more than one-third of his life behind bars.

The judge ordered the suspect's detention and denied him bond.

A day after her demise, WRAL News spoke to her family members.

They narrated to the publication how their kin was passionate about her job at the Freedom House Recovery Center.

Freedom House Recovery Center is a non-profit behavioral health care agency that provides a broad continuum of person-centered, comprehensive services for children, adolescents, adults and families who suffer from behavioral issues, mental illness or addiction.