Police have arrested a 45-year-old woman believed to have been the last person seen with veteran gynecologist and Nairobi Hospital director Dr Job Obwaka before his death.
The suspect, identified as Beatrice Wangare, was taken into police custody on Saturday morning, May 2, as a person of interest following the sudden death of the medic.
According to the family, Dr. Obwaka died on Friday evening after he was rushed unconscious to Nairobi Hospital, where he had served for many years. He was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police Arrest Woman Over Death of Dr Job Obwaka
A report filed by security officers at Nairobi Hospital states that Dr. Job Obwaka was brought to the facility by ambulance at around 7:00 p.m. on Friday after collapsing in Kitengela.
The reports add that the 83-year-old had gone on personal errands in the company of Wangare, believed to be a business associate.
“Dr. Job Obwaka, a veteran Kenyan gynecologist and Nairobi Hospital board director, had been brought into the facility by ambulance after collapsing in Kitengela, where he had gone on personal errands in the company of Beatrice Wangare, believed to be a business partner,” the report reads in part.
Medical personnel confirmed that he was dead on arrival. Officers who visited the hospital established that the deceased had a history of underlying medical conditions, although the exact cause of death remains unknown.
The body has since been moved to Lee Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Also Read: Popular Gynaecologist Dr. Job Obwaka Dies Weeks After Arrest Over The Nairobi Hospital
Woes Surrounding Obwaka at Nairobi Hospital
Dr. Obwaka was recently in the news after he was arrested, detained, and arraigned in court alongside other directors following the leadership wrangles at Nairobi Hospital.
He, together with Vice Chair Samson Kinyanjui and Dr Chris Bichage, was charged over allegations of conflict of interest.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) strongly condemned Obwaka’s arrest and detention, citing his long service, age, and standing in the profession.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Director Develops Complications Amid Legal Proceedings
The medic had also been receiving treatment since mid-March after collapsing at the Milimani Law Courts while awaiting arraignment over disputed charges of allegedly falsifying hospital records.
He was rushed to Nairobi Hospital’s intensive care unit by ambulance. Despite receiving treatment, his condition later deteriorated.
According to lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi, Dr. Obwaka had been in frail health for several years.
“Dr. Obwaka underwent an open surgery a few years ago and has been weak since,” Havi said.
Widely respected in Kenya’s medical fraternity, Obwaka dedicated much of his life to advancing women’s health and mentoring younger practitioners.
His long association with Nairobi Hospital also saw him play a key role in shaping clinical standards and patient care.
Before his death, he worked as an obstetrician-gynecologist at Gilead Women’s Center in the NSSF Building in Nairobi.
