The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has called for the immediate and unconditional release on bail of veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka following his arrest and detention at Muthaiga Police Station.
In a statement, the society said the circumstances surrounding his arrest raise serious concerns over fairness, due process and the manner in which state authority is being applied.
Obwaka was reportedly taken into custody over allegations linked to falsifying membership records, a function PSK says is normally handled by a company secretary rather than individual directors.
The society said reports that he has been denied cash bail despite the offence being bailable under Kenyan law are “particularly alarming,” noting that such actions cast a troubling shadow over the rule of law and suggest a pattern of intimidation directed at respected healthcare professionals.
“PSK stands in full solidarity with Dr Job Obwaka and with the entire medical and healthcare fraternity in Kenya. An injury to one healthcare professional is an injury to all,” the society said.
It called on authorities to clearly and transparently state the basis for Obwaka’s arrest and to ensure that all investigative processes are conducted lawfully and without intimidation. PSK further urged that Obwaka, as a senior citizen and distinguished medical professional, be treated with dignity and respect.
The society also expressed full alignment with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) in calling for justice and due process.
PSK encouraged healthcare professionals and the public to remain calm but united in demanding that the rule of law be upheld.
The society specifically asked pharmacists in Nairobi and surrounding areas to gather at Milimani Law Courts on Monday, March 16, 2026, in solidarity with Obwaka as he is arraigned, emphasising that their presence is “a powerful, peaceful statement that the healthcare fraternity stands as one.”
Several officials linked to The Nairobi Hospital remained in police custody for a second night on Sunday, with KMPDU warning it could call a strike over what it termed “mysterious arrests,” while the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also raised concerns.
Those detained include elderly Dr Obwaka, a director at the Kenya Hospital Association and an admitting consultant at The Nairobi Hospital, and the hospital board vice chairperson, Samson Kinyanjui, both held at Muthaiga Police Station. Another director, Valery Gaya, is being held at Pangani Police Station alongside former director Chris Bichage.
Officials from KMPDU, LSK, human rights activists, and family members visited Muthaiga Police Station, demanding clarity on the detentions. KMPDU said Obwaka was taken from his private clinic while attending to patients.
“Obwaka was abducted at his private clinic Saturday morning while attending to patients,” KMPDU’s secretary general Davji Atellah said.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the arrests, questioning why officials were being held without clear charges.
Obwaka’s son highlighted that his father has a heart condition requiring medical attention and insisted that he is not a flight risk, urging his release. KMPDU and LSK warned they could consider mass action if the detained officials were not released by midnight, accusing police of violating court orders, including anticipatory bail.
Odhiambo said the occurrence book pointed to a registration issue related to the Nairobi Hospital’s 2024 AGM, while KMPDU officials reported they were told the matter involves alleged forgery.
Kenyan Doctors in the UK (KDUK) also expressed deep concern over Obwaka’s detention.
“Any action that undermines ethical standards, justice, and the rule of law raises serious concern within the medical community,” KDUK said in a statement, urging authorities to follow due process and maintain transparency.
The group expressed solidarity with Obwaka and called for clarity regarding the circumstances of his detention.
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