Autopsy Report Uncovers How Dr Obwaka Died
An autopsy has found that Dr Job Obwaka, a board member of Nairobi Hospital, died from cardiac arrest.
Toxicology tests are still under way to determine whether other factors were involved. Dr Obwaka, an 83-year-old gynaecologist, collapsed suddenly last week. His death prompted an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which is examining the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
Detectives have linked the case to a visit he made to a woman’s home in Milimani Estate. The woman, identified as Wangari, has been detained as a person of interest. Police collected food samples and other materials from the residence for forensic analysis. Her legal team has rejected claims of poisoning, saying that no evidence was found during the search.
The timing of the postmortem results has raised questions. Prosecutors had earlier requested a two-week extension to complete investigations, including toxicology tests and mental assessments. The defence has said the autopsy findings support their position that allegations of poisoning are unproven.
Dr Obwaka’s death comes amid ongoing governance disputes at Nairobi Hospital. In recent weeks, he and three other directors were arrested and charged with conflict of interest, failure to submit financial statements, and falsifying membership records linked to the Kenya Hospital Association.
The directors denied the charges, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at forcing changes in management. Dr Obwaka was arrested in March at the NSSF Building car park and later held at Muthaiga Police Station.
He had a long career in medicine and was widely recognised for his work in women’s health and his role in Kenya’s medical sector. While cardiac arrest has been identified as the cause of death, investigators are awaiting toxicology results to determine whether additional factors contributed.
The family has said further information will be shared once the full analysis is complete.
