Former Chief Justice David Maraga has joined the growing list of leaders mourning the death of veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka.

Taking to his official X account on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Maraga described him as a dedicated medical professional whose work transformed women’s healthcare in Kenya.

Dr Obwaka, who served for decades at The Nairobi Hospital, is being remembered for his long-standing contribution to maternal and reproductive health services, mentorship of young doctors, and clinical excellence.

In his condolence message, Maraga said Dr Obwaka devoted his life to improving the health and well-being of Kenyan women, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Job Masakhue Lukuru Obwaka, a distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist who gave decades of his life to the health and wellbeing of Kenyan women,” Maraga said.

He added that Dr Obwaka’s service at Nairobi Hospital represented a career marked by professionalism and commitment to saving lives.

“His service at The Nairobi Hospital leaves a legacy that will endure long after us,” he said.

Tributes from the medical fraternity

The death of Dr. Obwaka has also drawn tributes from within the medical community, with colleagues describing him as a seasoned specialist who shaped standards of care in obstetrics and gynaecology.

He is credited with mentoring generations of doctors and contributing significantly to improvements in maternal healthcare outcomes in the country.

The Nairobi Hospital has paid tribute to the veteran gynaecologist following his death at the age of 83.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the hospital’s Board of Management said it received the news with profound sorrow and described Obwaka as a respected doctor and leader who served the institution for many years.

Chairman Barcley Onyambu said Obwaka made a lasting contribution to both patient care and hospital leadership.

“It is with profound sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Job Obwaka, a distinguished member of our medical fraternity and a valued leader within The Nairobi Hospital,” the statement said.

Matiang’i’s tributes

Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i has also mourned the death of Dr Obwaka, describing him as a respected medical leader who dedicated his life to saving lives.

In a post on his official X account on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Matiang’i highlighted Dr Obwaka’s accomplishment as a distinguished obstetrician-gynaecologist.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Job Obwaka, a distinguished obstetrician-gynaecologist and respected medical leader who dedicated his life to saving lives and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare institutions,” Matiang’i said.

On his part, Matiang’i noted that Obwaka served with excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment, touching countless lives through his work and leadership.

Dr Obwaka’s death

The news of his passing was confirmed by Kenya Medical Association Chairman Dr Simon Kigondu, who described Obwaka’s passing as a major loss to the medical community. He 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 statement shared on Facebook.

Dr Obwaka had recently been at the centre of a public storm involving governance disputes at Nairobi Hospital, which culminated in his arrest alongside other officials.

The incident drew sharp reactions from sections of the medical fraternity, who accused state agencies of interference in the hospital’s internal affairs.