NAIROBI, Kenya- A section of Kenyans has raised concern over what they describe as a “scripted narrative” following the death of veteran gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka, even as police maintain that investigations are ongoing and a key witness is in custody.
Dr Obwaka, 83, was pronounced dead on arrival at The Nairobi Hospital on Friday evening after collapsing in Kitengela.
Police account
According to a police incident report filed at Kilimani Police Station, the doctor had gone to Kitengela on personal errands in the company of a 45-year-old woman, identified as Beatrice Wangari, believed to be a business associate.
Police say he collapsed at around 7pm and was rushed to hospital by ambulance, where medical personnel confirmed he was dead on arrival.
The woman has since been detained as a “person of interest,” with the case recorded as pending under inquiry as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seek to establish the exact cause of death.
Authorities further noted that the deceased had a history of medical conditions, but emphasised that a postmortem will determine the cause of death.
Public backlash and competing claims
However, the police account has triggered sharp reactions from political leaders, lawyers and sections of the public, who are questioning the circumstances outlined in the report.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi dismissed the narrative, claiming it was meant to “scandalise a poor woman and indignify” the late doctor.
Opposition figures have also linked Dr Obwaka’s death to his recent arrest and detention in a dispute surrounding the management of the hospital.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that the doctor’s health deteriorated after his incarceration, describing him as “a broken man” following the ordeal.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka praised him as a reformer and patriot, while activist Boniface Mwangi directly blamed the arrest and detention for his death.
Similar sentiments have been echoed by sections of Kenyans online, with some disputing police claims that the doctor was in the company of a woman at the time of his collapse.
Government response
In an official statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described Dr Obwaka as a distinguished medical professional who dedicated his life to improving maternal and reproductive health in Kenya.
He extended condolences to the family, colleagues and the wider medical fraternity, calling his death a significant loss to the country.
Dr Obwaka’s death comes weeks after his controversial arrest alongside other officials linked to governance disputes at the hospital, an incident that drew concern from medical professionals and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union.
During the arrest in March, the elderly medic reportedly fell ill while in custody and required hospitalisation, raising questions about his health at the time.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with a postmortem expected to provide clarity on the cause of death.
