NAIROBI, Kenya- Human rights defender Dr Bosire Wairimu has criticised the treatment of the late Dr Job Obwaka during his recent arrest and detention, alleging medical neglect and procedural failures that she says worsened his condition.
In a detailed account, Dr Bosire said she and others repeatedly pleaded with officers at the Milimani Law Courts to allow Dr Obwaka, a board director at The Nairobi Hospital, to receive urgent medical attention due to his poor health.
She alleged that Dr Obwaka, who reportedly had a history of heart surgery, was moved from one officer to another without clear direction on his care needs, despite visible signs of distress.
“We were passed from one person to another, with no clear response from investigating officers and those in charge,” she said.
Dr Wairimu revealed that they were forced to call emergency medical services before an ambulance was eventually allowed in.
Emergency care at court parking area
She further described the situation as disturbing, noting that Dr Obwaka eventually received medical attention in the parking area of the Milimani Law Courts after his condition worsened.
According to earlier reports, the veteran medic was later placed in an ambulance for treatment after developing complications while in custody.
She said the incident raised serious concerns about dignity and humane treatment of detainees, especially elderly and medically vulnerable individuals.
Arrest linked to hospital dispute
Dr Obwaka had been arrested in connection with a governance dispute at The Nairobi Hospital, with allegations tied to falsification of records and internal management conflicts.
However, his supporters, including legal and medical colleagues, have disputed the basis of the charges, describing them as unfounded and politically driven.
Court records indicate that the case involved multiple hospital board officials and was part of an ongoing leadership wrangle within the institution.
She said that Dr Obwaka was “unlawfully arrested from his clinic” and later charged on what she termed fictitious claims that were eventually dismissed.
She maintained that he was not a fraudster or impostor, adding that attempts to criminalise him were unjustified and damaging to his reputation.
