NAIROBI, Kenya — David Silverstein, the long-serving personal physician to retired President the late Daniel arap Moi, has died, with the Moi family and Silverstein’s family confirming his death.
KANU chairman and former Baringo senator Gideon Moi, speaking on behalf of the Moi family, eulogised the cardiologist as a compassionate doctor whose care extended beyond the practice of medicine.
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Dr David Silverstein, the long serving personal physician to the late retired President H.E. Mzee Daniel arap Moi,” he said.
Gideon described Silverstein’s approach to his father’s health as one marked by dignity, warmth and genuine concern for his wellbeing.
“To him, Mzee Moi was not merely a client. He was a human being whose health, dignity and wellbeing mattered deeply to him,” he added.
Silverstein remembered for compassion
According to Gideon, Silverstein’s compassion was not limited to the former president but extended to everyone who sought his medical care.
The former senator said the cardiologist took time to listen to his patients, understand their needs and provide care with warmth and humanity.
“He took time to listen, understand and care, bringing warmth to his practice of medicine. This was the same humanity and compassion he extended to everyone under his care,” he said.
Gideon also conveyed the Moi family’s condolences to Silverstein’s family, particularly his widow, Channa Commanday.
“On behalf of the Moi family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, led by his beloved wife Channa Commanday. We are deeply grateful to them for allowing Dr Silverstein to walk with Mzee Moi throughout his journey of health.”
He added that Silverstein’s friendship and medical care would remain a lasting part of the Moi family’s memories.
“His care and friendship will always be remembered with gratitude. May God grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he said.
Noordin Haji’s family mourns Abdullahi Mohamud Haji
Separately, the family of National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji is mourning the death of Mzee Abdullahi Mohamud Haji, who died in Nairobi.
In a statement on Saturday, September 12, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji announced the death of his uncle and conveyed his condolences to the wider family.
Abdul Haji also prayed for his late uncle, asking Allah to grant him mercy and give the bereaved family strength during the period of mourning.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my adheer (uncle), Mzee Abdullahi Mohamud Haji, this evening in Nairobi. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, shower him with His infinite mercy, expand and illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.
He also prayed for strength and patience for relatives, friends and others who knew the deceased.
“May Allah grant our family, relatives, friends and all those who knew and loved him sabr and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
Sophia Abdi Noor mourns Abdullahi Haji
Former Ijara MP Sophia Abdi Noor also mourned Mzee Abdullahi, extending her condolences to his immediate family and relatives.
“May Allah forgive his humanly shortcomings, shower mercy on him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. To the immediate family and relatives, may Allah grant you sabr and strength in this difficult moment,” she wrote.
The two separate deaths have prompted messages of condolence from the families and public figures who knew the deceased.
