Dr. Obwaka, along with several other hospital officials, had been detained in DCI vehicles since early morning. Preliminary reports indicate that he developed health complications before being formally presented before a magistrate. Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the nature of his illness or whether the court proceedings will be postponed.
Doctors Complain Over Continued Detention
Meanwhile, four doctors who were arrested alongside Dr. Obwaka have complained to the court about their ongoing detention, arguing that their constitutional rights are being infringed.
Through their lawyers — Danstan Omari, Nelson Havi, and Charles Kanjama — the doctors informed the court that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had not yet processed their charge sheets, despite their presence within the court premises.
“Bring them to court, the doctors are within the court premises,” Lawyer Omari stated, highlighting the delays caused by the prosecution.
The lawyers further noted that the delay had created confusion, as the charge sheets were still being prepared even after the doctors had been brought to court earlier in the morning. They emphasized that two of the doctors are elderly and should be treated with dignity.
“The moment someone is arrested, they must be brought before court within 48 hours. Once they are within the court’s jurisdiction, the court has the power to give directions,” the defence team submitted.
Calls for Court Directions
The defence urged the court to issue orders allowing the doctors either to remain within the court precincts or be temporarily released to go home and return once the prosecution is ready to proceed.
They warned that failure to issue clear directions could unfairly place blame on the court, accusing the prosecution of failing to promptly present the matter despite the doctors already being present.
The lawyers also reiterated that Dr. Obwaka requires urgent medical attention, noting that an ambulance had been placed on standby to assist him.
Magistrate Orders Quick Mention
Presiding magistrate Teresiah Nyangena directed that the matter be mentioned again in an hour to allow the prosecution to finalize the charge sheets.
The case has attracted widespread attention, given the senior roles held by the accused at Nairobi Hospital, one of Kenya’s leading private medical institutions.
