Fresh details from a police affidavit show that investigators are now examining the possibility that veteran gynecologist Dr. Job Obwaka may have been poisoned at a home in Kitengela, where he collapsed shortly before his death.
Police have collected food and household samples from the house for toxicological testing.
Dr. Obwaka, 83, a former director of The Nairobi Hospital, collapsed on the evening of Friday, May 1, at the residence of a woman, who is in police custody.
He was rushed to The Nairobi Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival shortly after 7 p.m. despite emergency resuscitation efforts by paramedics.
Final Moments Before Dr. Obwaka’s Collapse
According to an affidavit sworn by Sergeant Rodan Zioka of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Dr. Obwaka visited the woman’s home on the evening of his death. The two shared a meal, after which the doctor asked for water and went into a bedroom.
Also Read: 45-Year-Old Woman Arrested Over Death of Nairobi Hospital Director Dr Job Obwaka
The affidavit states that Dr. Obwaka was later found lying face up, dressed in trousers and a vest, with a weak pulse and slow breathing. The woman raised the alarm and contacted her neighbor, Shadrack Korir, who helped call for an ambulance.
A paramedic responded to the emergency, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and rushed Dr. Obwaka to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
DCI officers later collected samples from her house, including items linked to the meal the pair had eaten. The samples will be submitted to the government chemist as part of toxicology tests to determine the cause of Dr. Obwaka’s death.
Arrest, Court Proceedings, and Detention
Police arrested the woman on Saturday morning, May 2, and identified her as a person of interest, saying she was the last person seen with Dr. Obwaka before he collapsed.
On Monday, she was presented before the Kibera Law Courts, and her lawyers told the court that she is not a suspect and had only assisted after the doctor became unwell in her home.
They said her actions were limited to calling for help and ensuring he was taken to the hospital.
The defense criticized the affidavit filed by the investigators, describing it as rife with “innuendos, alarmism, and sensationalism.”
They also raised concerns about her safety if released, citing intense public attention surrounding the case.
Also Read: DCI Arrests Two Suspects, Seizes Phantom Pistol in Kisumu
The Investigators asked the court for 14 days to hold her as they continued investigations. Magistrate Barbara Akinyi allowed police to detain her for 10 days to complete inquiries, including forensic analysis and a possible mental assessment.
Dr. Obwaka Medical Career and Health History
Dr. Job Obwaka was a well‑known obstetrician‑gynecologist and a respected member of Kenya’s medical community. He previously served as a director at The Nairobi Hospital and worked at Gilead Women’s Center in Nairobi’s NSSF Building, where he mentored many young doctors.
In March 2026, Obwaka appeared in court alongside other directors on charges including conspiracy to defraud, conflict of interest, and falsification of Kenya Hospital Association membership records.
During that court appearance, he reportedly fell ill and required urgent medical attention.
Family members and close associates have said Dr. Obwaka had underlying health conditions and had undergone open surgery in the past. Lawyer Nelson Havi has also confirmed that the doctor had been in frail health for some time.
A report filed by security officers at Nairobi Hospital states that Dr Obwaka was brought to the facility by ambulance at around 7:00 p.m. after collapsing in Kitengela.
The report notes that he had gone on personal errands in the company of a woman, who is believed to be a business associate.
A post‑mortem examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death. Dr. Obwaka’s body has been transferred to Lee Funeral Home.
