Nairobi Hospital Directors Arraigned Amid Fraud Charges
Detained directors linked to The Nairobi Hospital are appearing in court today, Monday, March 16, after spending the weekend in police custody.
The group was escorted to the Milimani Law Courts ahead of their arraignment, marking the latest development in a case that has sparked outrage within Kenya’s medical and legal communities.
Who Are the Detained Officials?
Among those detained is 83-year-old doctor Job Lukuru Obwaka, a director at the Kenya Hospital Association and an admitting consultant at Nairobi Hospital.
Also in custody is board vice chairperson Samson Kinyanjui, who is being held at Muthaiga Police Station.
Other directors include:
- Valery Gaya (held at Pangani Police Station)
- Chris Bichage (also at Pangani)
The officials spent a second night in custody on Sunday as they awaited formal charges.
Charges Facing Dr Obwaka and Co-Accused
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Dr Obwaka faces multiple charges related to alleged irregularities in the registration of members.
One of the key accusations states that:
- Between July and December 2024, he allegedly procured the fraudulent registration of 334 individuals as members of the Kenya Hospital Association.
Additional charges include:
- Failure to lodge amended articles with the Registrar, contrary to the Companies Act
- Failure to submit financial statements
- Failure to maintain and file a proper register of members
The other detained officials are reportedly facing similar charges.
Outcry from Doctors’ Union and Legal Bodies
The arrests have triggered strong reactions from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah described the arrest as shocking and raised concerns over the treatment of Dr Obwaka.
The union claims the elderly medic was arrested at his clinic parking bay at the NSSF Building in Nairobi before being taken to Muthaiga Police Station.
“The arrest has caused great shock, concern and disbelief among doctors across the country,” the union said.
KMPDU further argued that the alleged falsification of membership records falls under the responsibility of the Company Secretary—not the director—raising questions about the basis of the charges.
Concerns Over Bail and Health Condition
The union also raised alarm over reports that authorities declined to grant Dr Obwaka cash bail, despite the offence being bailable under Kenyan law.
According to KMPDU, the refusal was allegedly based on unspecified “instructions from above,” a claim that has intensified concerns about due process.
Dr Obwaka’s family has also voiced concern about his health, noting that he suffers from a heart condition and requires medical attention.
His son stated that the doctor is not a flight risk and should be released.
LSK Questions Arrest Procedure
Faith Odhiambo Kanjama, President of the Law Society of Kenya, criticized the manner of the arrests, revealing that the officials were picked up by plain-clothed officers.
She questioned why the directors were being held without clear charges and warned of possible violations of legal procedures.
Threat of Nationwide Doctors’ Strike
KMPDU has warned it could call for a nationwide strike if the detained officials are not released, escalating tensions in the health sector.
The union, alongside LSK and human rights activists, has accused police of:
- Violating court orders
- Ignoring anticipatory bail provisions
- Undermining legal safeguards
Officials from both organizations, as well as family members, gathered at Muthaiga Police Station demanding answers over the continued detention.
A Case with Far-Reaching Implications
The unfolding case has drawn national attention, raising critical questions about governance within major health institutions, the rule of law, and the treatment of professionals in sensitive sectors.
As the court proceedings begin, all eyes will be on the judiciary to determine the next course of action in a case that could have significant implications for Kenya’s healthcare system.