In a troubling series of events surrounding Nairobi Hospital, President William Ruto’s name has emerged in discussions about changes to the hospital’s board. The situation escalated dramatically when Dr. Chris Bichage, an obstetrician at the hospital, was reportedly abducted by security agents on the night of March 15, 2026.
Dr. Bichage was later found dumped in Pangani, raising alarms about the safety of medical professionals in the region. This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issues within the hospital’s governance, particularly the recent arrest of Dr. Job Obwaka, a board member, under unclear circumstances.
KMPDU, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, has protested Dr. Obwaka’s arrest, citing concerns over the potential abuse of state power. They argue that Dr. Obwaka is being targeted unfairly, as he is accused of falsifying a register of members, despite claims that he was not present during the alleged irregularities.
Further complicating matters, authorities reportedly denied Dr. Obwaka cash bail, even though the offense is bailable under Kenyan law. This refusal has raised serious questions about due process and fairness in his case.
As the situation unfolds, KMPDU has demanded immediate clarification from authorities regarding the circumstances of Dr. Obwaka’s arrest, which took place at his parking bay at the NSSF Building. The board of Nairobi Hospital has since replaced Dr. Obwaka with Dr. Barcley Onyambu, a move that has not gone unnoticed amid the turmoil.
High Court judge John Chigiti declined to suspend the board’s decision regarding Dr. Obwaka, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding these events. KMPDU has expressed that the arrest of Dr. Obwaka raises serious concerns regarding due process and the potential misuse of state power against a senior member of the medical profession.
Lawyer Cliff Ombeta, representing Dr. Bichage, stated, “Chris Bichage was abducted last night. Found him dumped at Pangani… It is the forceful takeover of Nairobi hospital.” He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We must stop these people on the ballot in August 2027.”
As reactions continue to pour in, the implications of these events for Nairobi Hospital and the broader medical community remain significant. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the actions taken against Dr. Obwaka and Dr. Bichage, but the situation has undoubtedly raised alarms about the intersection of healthcare and state power in Kenya.
