Renowned gynecologist Dr Jon Obwaka was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital after suddenly falling ill while visiting a companion in Kitengela on Labour Day, May 1, 2020.
According to a report filed at the hospital’s Security Office at approximately 7:00 p.m., the patient—Dr. Obwaka, 83-had been brought in dead (BID) by a female companion, Beatrice Wangari.
The case was immediately reported to Kilimani Police Station, whose officers responded and commenced investigations.
Preliminary accounts indicate that Wangari had been in a relationship with the deceased since 2015, having first met him through her personal gynecologist before their relationship deepened following the death of her husband.
Wangari told investigators that at around 10:42 a.m. on the day of the incident, Dr. Obwaka contacted her while en route to Kitengela to visit her.
He kept her updated on his journey and later confirmed his arrival at Quickmart Kitengela OBC Plaza at approximately 1:20 p.m.
The two proceeded to Wangari’s residence, where she prepared a meal of rice and meat, which they shared.
Shortly after the meal, the doctor requested a glass of water.
However, moments after taking two sips, he reportedly became drowsy and began experiencing breathing difficulties.
“He asked that the windows be opened as he struggled to breathe,” Wangari told police.
Alarmed, she called for help from a neighbor who responded and attempted to check the doctor’s pulse but found him unresponsive. He then helped arrange transport to the hospital.
Wangari used the deceased’s phone to contact a colleague, Dr. Wanyoike, as well as a family member, and was advised to rush him to Nairobi Hospital.
The neighbor drove Wangari’s vehicle, escorting the patient to the hospital. Upon arrival, Dr. Obwaka was confirmed dead.
Police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
An autopsy was planned on the body.
Police visited the home and picked samples of the food he had taken.
Dr Obwaka passed away on Friday at 7:00 pm at the same facility where he served patients for decades, his wife Everose Obwaka confirmed.
His death comes barely six weeks after his dramatic arrest outside his surgery—an incident that rattled Kenya’s medical fraternity and sparked scrutiny over the governance of one of the country’s leading private hospitals.
The veteran medic had been unwell since mid-March after collapsing at Milimani Law Courts while awaiting arraignment over contested charges of falsifying hospital records.
He was rushed to the intensive care unit at Nairobi Hospital, where his condition progressively deteriorated.
According to Nelson Havi, a lawyer and former president of the Law Society of Kenya, Dr Obwaka had been in fragile health for several years following a past major surgery.
Havi linked the doctor’s declining health to mounting legal and administrative pressures, including what he described as government interference in the management of Nairobi Hospital. He argued that the strain from the ongoing criminal case further worsened the medic’s condition.
On March 14, 2026, detectives arrested Dr Obwaka at the NSSF Building parking area along Bishops Road. He was held for three nights at Muthaiga Police Station before being charged alongside others over alleged falsification of records belonging to the Kenya Hospital Association.
The case, which also involves senior hospital officials, remains before the courts.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had strongly condemned his arrest and detention, citing his age, stature, and decades-long contribution to the medical field.
Dr Obwaka is remembered as a distinguished medical professional who devoted his life to advancing women’s health and strengthening medical leadership in Kenya.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale mourned the death.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I convey deep sorrow following the passing of Dr. Job Obwaka at the age of 83, a veteran obstetrician and former Director at the Nairobi Hospital.”
“Dr. Obwaka devoted his life to advancing medical practice in Kenya, leaving an invaluable contribution to the medical fraternity through his clinical excellence, leadership and mentorship of generations of practitioners,” he said.
He added his work significantly strengthened standards of care and improved outcomes in maternal and reproductive health services across the country.
“We honour his distinguished service and commitment to humanity and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider medical community during this difficult time.”
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