Woman Arrested as Police Probe Death of Veteran Gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka

Police have arrested a 45-year-old woman in connection with the death of veteran gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka.

The woman, believed to have been with Dr Obwaka during his final hours, was taken into custody on Saturday morning and is being treated as a person of interest. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are reconstructing the doctor’s movements before he collapsed in Kitengela on Friday evening.

An incident report filed at Kilimani Police Station states that Dr Obwaka was transported by ambulance to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had been accompanied by the arrested woman, described as a business associate. 

Investigators noted that he had a history of medical conditions, but said the exact cause of death will be determined after a post-mortem examination. His body has been moved to Lee Funeral Home.

Dr Obwaka, aged 83, had served for many years as a gynaecologist at Nairobi Hospital and was recognised for his contribution to women’s health. He also held a role as an Admitting Consultant and served on the hospital’s Board of Management in 2025.

In a statement, Nairobi Hospital Board Chairman Barcley Onyambu described his death as a significant loss. He cited Dr Obwaka’s commitment to patient care and his role in shaping the hospital’s governance and strategic direction.

His death follows recent governance disputes at the hospital, in which he and other directors were arrested in a controversy that drew criticism from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union.