Autopsy Reveals What Killed Nairobi Hospital Board Member Dr. Job Obwaka

A postmortem conducted on Tuesday May 5, 2026, has confirmed that Nairobi Hospital board member Dr. Job Obwaka died from cardiac arrest, bringing initial clarity to a case that has drawn national attention.

The findings were disclosed as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his final hours.

Condolences have been sent by the Council of Governors’ Health Committee regarding the passing away of Dr. Job Obwaka, a renowned obstetrician and former Nairobi Hospital chief.

According to the Committee, he was a crucial part of Kenya’s healthcare system because of his role in maternal and reproductive health.

The committee further noted that his decades of service in clinical practice, leadership and mentorship significantly improved standards of care.

Autopsy Findings and Family Response

A postmortem examination conducted on Tuesday established that Dr. Obwaka died of cardiac arrest, according to family representative Joseph Ndungu.

He said the results provided an initial medical explanation for the sudden death, even as additional tests remain ongoing.

“However, a toxicology report is still being conducted to determine the exact cause,” Ndungu said, adding that the family is in agreement with the findings of the examination.

He also indicated that further updates would be shared once all forensic analyses are complete.

Dr. Obwaka, a renowned gynaecologist, died at the age of 83 and was widely respected for his decades-long contribution to women’s healthcare in Kenya.

Investigations and Legal Context

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has linked the death to possible poisoning, believed to have occurred at a woman’s residence.

Investigators have identified the woman as a person of interest, stating she was the last known individual seen with the 83-year-old medic before he collapsed.

In an affidavit, the investigating officer indicated that samples were collected from Wangari’s residence in Milimani Estate for forensic testing.

Also Read:Fresh Details Emerge From Woman Job Obwaka Was With Before Sudden Death

Authorities believe the materials could prove instrumental in establishing whether any toxic substances were involved.

However, Wangari’s legal team rejected these charges, stating that the premises had already been searched by the police without any proof that she poisoned anyone.

They also said that collecting food samples would be excessive in terms of investigation.

Timeline, Arrest, and Governance Dispute

Questions have also emerged over the speed of the postmortem results.

Initially, the prosecution had requested 14 days to complete inquiries, including toxicological and mental assessments.

“There are certain samples that are to be forwarded to the government analyst, and possibly as a result of two tests or examinations, maybe subsequently a mental assessment examination,” the prosecutor said.

Dr. Obwaka’s death comes weeks after he had been charged alongside others over the alleged falsification of records linked to the Kenya Hospital Association.

Also Read:Panic as Nairobi Hospital Director Dr. Obwaka Develops Complications While in Court

He had been arrested on March 14, 2026, at the NSSF Building parking area along Bishops Road and detained for three nights at Muthaiga Police Station before being arraigned in court.

The case is tied to a broader governance dispute within the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), which holds a stake in Nairobi Hospital ownership.

Dr. Obwaka and three other directors had faced charges including conflict of interest, failure to file financial statements between 2022 and 2024, and falsification of membership records.

The directors claimed their arrests were acts of harassment by “government operatives” intended to force a management takeover.

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