Former President Daniel arap Moi’s longest-serving personal physician, Dr David Silverstein, has died, former Baringo Senator and KANU chairman Gideon Moi announced on Sunday.
Silverstein first treated Moi in 1977, when he was Vice President, and remained his personal physician for 42 years until the former president’s death in February 2020.
Gideon described Silverstein as a dedicated doctor whose attention to detail, empathy and compassionate care left a lasting impression on the Moi family.
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Dr. David Silverstein, the long serving personal physician to the late retired President H.E. Mzee Daniel arap Moi,” Gideon said.
He said Silverstein viewed Moi as more than a patient, treating him as a human being whose health, dignity and wellbeing mattered deeply to him.
“To him, Mzee Moi was not merely a client. He was a human being whose health, dignity and wellbeing mattered deeply to him,” Gideon said.
Silverstein regularly attended to Moi during his presidency and was involved in his medical care at State House.
He was also identified as the physician leading the team that managed Moi during his final illness at Nairobi Hospital between 2019 and 2020.
Gideon said the doctor’s relationship with the former president extended beyond medical care, describing his friendship and personal connection with the Moi family as deeply valued.
“He took time to listen, understand and care, bringing warmth to his practice of medicine. This was the same humanity and compassion he extended to everyone under his care,” he said.
Beyond his clinical work, Silverstein was involved in medical education and gave lectures to medical students at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo campus.
Gideon conveyed his condolences to Silverstein’s family, led by his wife, Channa Commanday, and thanked them for allowing the doctor to care for Moi throughout his life.
“We are deeply grateful to them for allowing Dr. Silverstein to walk with Mzee Moi throughout his journey of health. His care and friendship will always be remembered with gratitude,” he said.