Kenyan Neurosurgeon Dr. David Oluoch Olunya served as the personal physician of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for nearly two decades.
He accompanied Raila through numerous medical procedures both in Kenya and abroad — the most recent being in India, where the ODM leader died on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Dr. Olunya was the doctor seen in the widely circulated video from India, desperately trying to resuscitate the late opposition leader during his final moments.
In a video shared by Koothattukulam News, Olunya could be seen continuing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to save Raila outside the Devamatha Hospital ambulance bay in India.
Based in Nairobi, Dr. Olunya is a highly qualified neurosurgeon and general surgery specialist. He is affiliated with the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, and is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s leading brain and spine surgeons.
Neurosurgeon Dr. David Oluoch Olunya: Raila Odinga’s Longtime Personal Doctor
A graduate of the University of Nairobi, Dr. Olunya obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1985.
He later joined the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, earning his FRCS (Edinburgh) in 1991 and his FRCS (SN) (Edinburgh) in 1998. His distinguished academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
Through his subspecialty in neurosurgery, Dr. Olunya has provided critical care to patients with complex neurological conditions, earning widespread trust for his precision, compassion, and professionalism.
In 1999, Dr. Olunya returned to Kenya—not in search of fame, but to strengthen the University of Nairobi’s Department of Surgery.
Also Read: Why No Priest Wanted to Baptize Raila and His Siblings
He helped build a modern neurosurgery unit, training young surgeons and introducing advanced techniques that made complex brain and spine operations possible locally.
Over the years, he has worked in several top hospitals in Nairobi, performing lifesaving surgeries, mentoring future doctors, and earning admiration for his humility, dedication, and skill.
Though his face may not be widely known, his impact is deeply felt in every hospital corridor where hope has been restored through his hands.
He also serves as a consultant neurosurgeon at the Nairobi Hospital, a position he has held since 1999.
Oluoch Performs Head Surgery on Raila
In June 2010, Dr. Olunya performed surgery on Raila Odinga at the Nairobi Hospital — a minor procedure to relieve pressure caused by a buildup of fluid around the brain.
“Following examinations and initial investigations, he was found to have a build-up of pressure outside the brain leading to headache,” Dr. Olunya explained at the time.
“A team of doctors got together, and within a short period, it was agreed that a minor procedure be carried out on the left side of the head to relieve the pressure,” he added, alongside fellow neurosurgeon Dr. Mahmood Qureshi.
Also Read: Why Kenya High School Holds a Chapter in Raila Odinga’s History
General Surgery Services Offered by Dr. Oluoch Olunya
Dr. Olunya provides a wide range of general and specialized surgical services with a focus on precision, safety, and patient-centered care. His practice covers both open and minimally invasive procedures designed to address diverse medical conditions.
His services include:
- Comprehensive surgical consultations and evaluations.
- Diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of surgical conditions.
- Surgical treatment for abdominal conditions such as appendicitis, hernias, and gallbladder disease.
- Management of gastrointestinal disorders requiring surgical intervention.
- Surgical procedures for endocrine disorders, including thyroid and adrenal gland conditions.
- Specialized neurosurgery for diseases and injuries affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Treatment of traumatic injuries requiring surgical repair.
- Post-operative care and follow-up to ensure full recovery and optimal outcomes.
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