Veteran gynaecologist and The Nairobi Hospital director Dr Job Obwaka has died at the age of 83.
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. Hospital sources indicated that he was brought in unconscious and was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy is expected to establish the exact cause of death.
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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