Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has eulogised veteran gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka as a man of great resolve, a just and principled son of our motherland, following his sudden death.  

In a post on Friday, May 1, 2026, Gachagua described him as an intellectual par excellence who devoted his life to saving human life and standing for truth.

“It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of Dr. Job Obwakaa, renowned obstetrician-gynaecologist and board director at Nairobi Hospital,” Gachagua wrote on X.

“To the family of Dr. Obwaka, I extend my heartfelt condolences at this difficult moment. I join you in mourning a man of great resolve, a just and principled son of our motherland, and an intellectual par excellence who devoted his life to saving human life and standing for truth.”

Gachagua further praised the late medic’s moral conviction despite challenges.

“Obwaka chose conviction and truth over convenience, and in doing so, affirmed the enduring value of moral leadership and integrity we so deserve as a country.”

He said the doctor’s legacy would remain tied to courage in the face of pressure and his commitment to justice.

Moreover, the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party boss linked Obwaka’s legacy to his role in hospital leadership disputes.

“He will be remembered strongly not only for his professional excellence, but also for his courage in moments that demanded integrity and courage,” the statement read.

Gachagua added that the late doctor endured a painful ordeal following his arrest amid the Nairobi Hospital hostile takeover, stating that he was detained in police custody despite his plea that he was having health challenges and was of advanced age.

The Nairobi Hospital saga

He claimed Obwaka left police custody a broken man but stoic, that there are Kenyans who cannot succumb to intimidation and police harassment.

The sentiments come as Kenya’s medical fraternity continues to mourn the death of Obwaka, who was a respected obstetrician-gynaecologist and director at Nairobi Hospital. His passing was confirmed by Kenya Medical Association Chairman Simon Kigondu, who said the doctor died while being rushed to the hospital.

“Just 45 days after we rescued Job from trumped-up charges by the State in the Nairobi Hospital issue, he has left us. This is a very sad day for the gynaecology fraternity,” Kigondu said in a Facebook statement, describing Obwaka’s death as a major blow to the profession.

Obwaka had recently been at the centre of governance wrangles at Nairobi Hospital, which culminated in his arrest alongside other officials. The dispute sparked sharp reactions within the medical fraternity, with doctors accusing state agencies of interfering in the hospital’s internal affairs.

Kigondu maintained that the charges against Obwaka were baseless, calling them “trumped-up” and linked to internal board tensions. He further noted, “Job will be remembered for standing up against State harassment of doctors by persons with ill intent at the NH board.”

Obwaka’s colleagues have described him as a principled professional who combined clinical excellence with strong ethical conviction. His death has triggered renewed discussion about governance disputes in Kenya’s healthcare institutions and the pressures faced by medical professionals involved in leadership conflicts.