Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strong statement following the death of veteran medic Dr Job Obwaka, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding his final weeks.
Dr Obwaka, an 83-year-old obstetrician-gynaecologist and board director at Nairobi Hospital, died on Friday evening after being rushed to the facility unconscious and pronounced dead on arrival.
His death came weeks after his arrest linked to ongoing leadership disputes at the hospital.
In a detailed condolence message, Gachagua described the late doctor as “a man of great resolve” who dedicated his life to saving lives and standing for truth.
He extended sympathies to the family, while portraying Obwaka as a principled figure who upheld integrity even under pressure.
“He will be remembered not only for his professional excellence, but also for his courage in moments that demanded integrity,” Gachagua said. “He chose conviction and truth over convenience.”
The former deputy president, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), linked Dr Obwaka’s death to the protracted wrangles at Nairobi Hospital.
He alleged that the medic played a central role in resisting what he termed a “hostile takeover” of the institution, an action he claims led to his arrest and detention.
According to Gachagua, the late doctor was held in police custody for several days despite his advanced age and reported health challenges.
He claimed that Obwaka left custody in a weakened state, having endured what he described as harassment and intimidation.
“He left police custody a broken man but remained stoic, demonstrating that some Kenyans cannot be cowed by intimidation,” Gachagua stated.
The remarks introduce a political dimension to a case that has already attracted public attention, particularly within the medical fraternity.
However, authorities have not publicly linked Dr Obwaka’s death to his arrest or the hospital dispute. No official cause of death has been released.
The leadership conflict at Nairobi Hospital has in recent months escalated into legal and administrative battles, drawing in board members, government agencies, and professional bodies.
Dr Obwaka was among those at the centre of the dispute, which has raised broader questions about governance in private health institutions.
Gachagua’s statement is likely to intensify scrutiny of the events leading up to the doctor’s death, especially regarding his treatment while in custody and the handling of the hospital dispute.
He concluded by calling for reflection, saying the medic’s life symbolised the importance of moral leadership and resistance in the face of injustice.
“His passing reminds us of the legacy of those who stood firm in pursuit of justice and the common good,” he said.
Dr Obwaka is remembered as a long-serving medical professional whose career spanned decades, leaving a lasting imprint on Kenya’s healthcare sector.