Renowned media personality Caroline Mutoko has demanded the release of Dr Job Obwaka, whose controversial arrest has sparked concerns in the country.
Mutoko shared a statement on her Facebook account on Monday, March 16, 2026, calling for the release of the gynaecologist, whose media reports indicate was being held in Muthaiga Police Station.
The statement noted that the 83-year-old was arrested under unclear circumstances, with the police declining to give him bail.
“A decorated medical practitioner, highly respected doctor and leader at Nairobi Hospital. Dr Obwaka was arrested under unclear and disturbing circumstances and is currently being held unfairly at Muthaiga Police Station,” reads the statement in part.
#FreeDrObwaka trending
With the hashtag #FreeDr Obwaka, the statement added that those holding the long-serving medical practitioner are acting on “instructions from above.”
“The authorities have yet to charge him and have refused to grant him bail, citing ‘instructions from above.’” This is a possible misuse of state power and a complete disregard of due process,”the statement added.
His arrest and subsequent detention sparked protests, with the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) releasing a terse statement demanding his release.
“The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the umbrella professional association representing medical doctors in Kenya, has taken note with deep concern of the arrest and continued detention of Dr Job Obwaka, a distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist and a respected senior member of the medical profession.
Dr Obwaka’s record
KMA referenced Dr Obwaka’s standing as a medical practitioner of great integrity, expressing concern about the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
“Dr Obwaka is widely known within the medical fraternity as a clinician of great integrity, a teacher, and a mentor who has served the people of Kenya for decades. Through his work in patient care and in training younger doctors, he has made immense contributions to the health sector and to the advancement of medical practice in our country.
“It is therefore deeply disturbing that such a senior member of the profession could be subjected to arrest and detention under circumstances that strongly suggest intimidation and abuse of state power. The manner, timing, and apparent disregard of due legal protections in the handling of this matter raise serious questions about whether law enforcement agencies are being used to settle governance disputes within institutions rather than to uphold justice,” the statement added.
