Nairobi Hospital director Dr Job Obwaka dies
By Mustafa Juma, May 1, 2026A sombre mood has engulfed Kenya’s medical fraternity following the death of Dr Job Obwaka, a veteran gynaecologist and director at Nairobi Hospital, barely weeks after his high-profile arrest linked to the hospital’s leadership wrangles.
The news 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.
Kigondu suggested that the charges brought against Obwaka were unfounded, terming them “trumped-up” and linked 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.
Dr Obwaka was widely regarded as a prominent gynaecologist and a vocal advocate for professional independence within Kenya’s healthcare sector.
His role at Nairobi Hospital placed him at the heart of one of the country’s most prominent private medical institutions.
Tributes
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also mourned Dr Obwaka, describing him as a distinguished medical practitioner whose contributions shaped healthcare in Kenya.
“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 said in a statement shared 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.”
Duale noted that Obwaka’s work significantly strengthened standards of care, particularly in maternal and reproductive health.
“His work significantly strengthened standards of care and improved outcomes in maternal and reproductive health services across the country,” he added.
“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.”
