KMPDU Protests Arrest of Veteran Doctor at Nairobi Hospital

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has protested the arrest of a veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Job Obwaka, a board member of the Nairobi Hospital.

In a notice on saturday march 14, KMPDU warned that the arrest and detention of the doctor raises serious concerns about the abuse of state power and violations of due process.

According to the union,  the 83-year-old doctor was arrested earlier on Saturday under unclear and disturbing circumstances at his parking bay at the NSSF Building, where his clinic is located, before being taken to Muthaiga police station, where he was being held.

“KMPDU wishes to inform the medical fraternity and the public of a deeply troubling development involving one of our distinguished colleagues, Dr. Job Obwaka, an 83-year-old Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who has served patients with dedication and distinction for decades,” the statement from the authority stated.

KMPDU reports that Obwaka is accused of falsifying a register of members, but the union maintains that responsibility lies under the custody of the office of the company secretary. The union also says that the doctor was not present when the irregularities occurred.

“We are informed that Dr. Obwaka is being accused of falsifying the register of members, a function that falls squarely under the mandate and custodianship of the Office of the Company Secretary. It is important to note that Dr. Obwaka was not present at the time when the alleged irregularities in these records are said to have occurred, raising serious questions about the basis and fairness of the accusations being levelled against him,”  the statement added.

The arrest comes days after former Artonney General Justin Muturi alleged that President William Ruto was attempting to secretly take control of the Nairobi hospital through sustained intimidation and political interference.

More troubling, according to the statement by KMPDU, is that authorities have allegedly refused to grant the doctor cash bail despite the offence being bailable under Kenyan law. With the union citing orders from above, a claim the union said raises legitimate concerns about fairness and possible political interference.

“This raises serious concerns regarding due process, fairness, and the possible misuse of state power against a senior member of the medical profession,” the union said.

The union demanded immediate clarification from authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention, and called for the law to be followed, including granting bail as provided under the constitution.

It also urged investigative agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism to ensure justice is pursued without intimidation or undue influence.

At the time of this publication, the authorities had not issued a statement clarifying the allegations of the arrest and refusal to grant bail to the doctor.