KMA Statement on the Arrest of Dr Job Obwoka Over Nairobi Hospital Ownership

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the umbrella professional association representing medical doctors in Kenya, has taken note with deep concern of the arrest and continued detention of Dr. Job Obwaka, a distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist and a respected senior member of the medical profession.

Dr. Obwaka is widely known within the medical fraternity as a clinician of great integrity, a teacher, and a mentor who has served the people of Kenya for decades. Through his work in patient care and in training younger doctors, he has made immense contributions to the health sector and to the advancement of medical practice in our country.

It is therefore deeply disturbing that such a senior member of the profession could be subjected to arrest and detention under circumstances that strongly suggest intimidation and abuse of state power. The manner, timing, and apparent disregard of due legal protections in the handling of this matter raise serious questions about whether law enforcement agencies are being used to settle governance disputes within institutions rather than to uphold justice.

KMA is particularly alarmed by reports that anticipatory bail granted to Dr. Obwaka was ignored, and that an elderly doctor with known medical conditions has been denied the basic considerations of fairness and dignity. This conduct amounts to blatant impunity. If such actions can be taken against a senior physician of Dr. Obwaka’s standing, then no doctor in Kenya can feel secure from arbitrary arrest driven by political or institutional interests.

The Kenya Medical Association wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the medical profession will not tolerate the harassment, intimidation, or criminalization of its members, especially where such actions appear to be linked to attempts by political actors to influence or take over the leadership and governance structures of professional or healthcare institutions such as the Kenya Hospital Association.

Doctors dedicate their lives to saving lives. They should not be turned into targets of intimidation because they serve on boards or participate in the governance of institutions within the health sector.

While KMA respects the role of investigative and law enforcement agencies, that respect cannot extend to the misuse of those institutions to persecute professionals. We therefore demand the immediate release of Dr. Job Obwaka and the strict observance of the rule of law, due process, and respect for court orders.

The Kenya Medical Association will continue to closely monitor this matter and will not hesitate to mobilize the medical profession and engage relevant national institutions to ensure that justice prevails.

KMA further calls upon doctors and members of the medical fraternity to attend the court proceedings at the Milimani Courts on Monday, 16th March 2026, in solidarity with Dr. Obwaka and in defense of the dignity of the medical profession. A strong and visible presence of doctors will send a clear message that the profession stands united against impunity and the misuse of state power.

The welfare, dignity, and professional independence of doctors are not negotiable.

Dr. Simon Kigondu President