Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday as Dr. Job Obwaka, a prominent director at Nairobi Hospital, suffered a medical emergency just moments before his scheduled arraignment.
The 80-year-old physician developed sudden health complications while confined inside a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) vehicle. Authorities had held Dr. Obwaka and several other hospital officials in the van since early morning as they waited for their case to be called.
The veteran medic appeared physically frail as paramedics rushed to the scene to provide initial care. An ambulance later transported him to the hospital for urgent treatment. The incident sparked immediate alarm among family members, legal counsel, and a large group of medical professionals who had gathered at the courthouse to support their colleague.
A Controversial Arrest
This health crisis comes just 48 hours after Dr. Obwaka’s high-profile arrest on Saturday, March 14. DCI officers intercepted the doctor outside his clinic at the NSSF Building around 9:00 a.m., just as he arrived to attend to his patients. Following the arrest, which has triggered intense debate within Kenya’s medical fraternity, police detained him at the Muthaiga Police Station over the weekend.
At the heart of the legal battle are serious allegations involving the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), the powerful body that oversees Nairobi Hospital. Detectives are currently investigating claims that Dr. Obwaka participated in falsifying the KHA membership register.
Simultaneously, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has leveled several criminal charges against multiple doctors linked to KHA management. The state’s list of charges describes a complicated situation of supposed financial wrongdoing, such as having conflicts of interest, receiving benefits illegally, and not following required financial reporting rules.
Millions in “Unlawful Benefits”
The ODPP specifically names Chris Bichange Munga Nyamaratandi and Samson Mbuthia Kinyanjui in connection with millions of shillings allegedly received from an insurance firm.
According to the prosecution:
Dr. Nyamaratandi faces charges under Section 146 of the Companies Act. The state alleges that between November 10, 2023, and March 15, 2024, he received Ksh 4.8 million from Meritorious Insurance Agency – a firm contracted by the association – while serving as a director.
Samson Kinyanjui faces similar accusations. Prosecutors claim he received Ksh 3,999,996 from the same insurance agency between late 2024 and March 2025.
Dr. Chris Obwaka also faces a separate charge of accepting a benefit from a third party. The state argues these payments were directly tied to his directorial status and created an illegal conflict of interest.
Failure to Report Financials
Beyond the direct payments, the prosecution alleges a systemic disregard for corporate transparency. The charge sheet claims that Dr. Obwaka failed to submit the company’s financial statements for 2022 and 2023 to the Registrar of Companies.
Furthermore, the state names Dr. Munga, Kinyanjui, Job Lukuru Obwaga, and Valarie Akinyi Gaya for jointly failing to lodge the association’s 2024 financial statements. Under Kenyan law, these annual filings are mandatory to ensure accountability to the association’s members.
With investigations still ongoing and multiple charges now before the court, the case raises questions about corporate governance, financial accountability, and leadership within one of the country’s most prominent private healthcare institutions.
Richard Kamau
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