Duale mourns death of Nairobi Hospital director Dr Job Obwaka
By Aloys Michael, May 1, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has led the country in mourning the death of veteran obstetrician and director at The Nairobi Hospital, Dr Job Obwaka, who passed away at the age of 83.
In a post on Friday, May 1, 2026, Duale praised the late medic’s lifelong dedication to advancing healthcare in Kenya, particularly in maternal and reproductive health.
“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,” Duale wrote on X.
“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.”
According to the CS, Obwaka’s impact extended beyond his clinical work.
“His work significantly strengthened standards of care and improved outcomes in maternal and reproductive health services across the country,” Duale noted, while extending condolences to the family, colleagues and the wider medical community.
The death of the respected gynaecologist has cast a sombre mood across Kenya’s medical fraternity, coming just weeks after his high-profile arrest linked to leadership wrangles at Nairobi Hospital.
His passing was confirmed by Simon Kigondu, chairman of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), who described it as a major loss.
“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 statement shared on Facebook.
Obwaka is reported to have died while being rushed to the hospital. In recent weeks, he had been at the centre of a public dispute involving governance issues at Nairobi Hospital, which saw his arrest alongside other officials.
The incident triggered sharp criticism from sections of the medical community, who accused state agencies of interfering in the hospital’s internal affairs.
Kigondu maintained that the charges against Obwaka were unfounded, describing them as trumped-up and tied to broader tensions within the hospital’s board.
“Job will be remembered for standing up against State harassment of doctors by persons with ill intent at the NH board,” he added.
Widely regarded as a leading gynaecologist and advocate for professional independence, Obwaka leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience and service that shaped Kenya’s healthcare landscape.