The Kenya Dental Association on Sunday condemned the detention and denial of bail to Dr. Job Obwaka, director of The Nairobi Hospital.
The association said the action undermines constitutional protections, due process, and patient care. KDA calls for his immediate release on personal bond, warning that arbitrary detention erodes public trust in law enforcement and threatens the integrity of healthcare institutions.
In a press statement issued on March 15, 2026, the association condemned the arrest as a violation of constitutional safeguards and due process.
KDA stressed that the arbitrary detention of healthcare professionals not only undermines individual liberties but also risks disrupting patient care.
“As a professional association committed to the rule of law, the protection of healthcare professionals’ dignity, and the safeguarding of patient care, we strongly condemn actions that undermine constitutional protections and due process,” said Dr. Kahura Mundia, president of the Kenya Dental Association.
The association highlighted that the continued detention of Dr. Obwaka raises serious questions about adherence to the Constitution and respect for court processes.
It noted that disputes involving a hospital company limited by guarantee should be adjudicated in the Civil and Commercial Courts, rather than through actions that bypass legal safeguards.
KDA emphasized that observance of court orders and constitutional protections against unlawful arrest and detention are mandatory obligations for all state agencies.
These safeguards ensure every individual’s right to liberty, fair administrative action, and due process before the law.
In its statement, the association called for the immediate release of Dr. Obwaka on personal bond and recognizance, stressing that the rights of citizens must be upheld without exception.
KDA warned that failure to respect these rights undermines public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system.
“Erosion of public trust in the police system is the ultimate consequence when unnecessary intimidation and harassment are deployed,” the statement read. “Dr. Job Obwaka deserves fairness and justice, not excessive use of police force, particularly amid reports of interference and boardroom conflicts at The Nairobi Hospital pending determination in the Civil and Commercial Court.”
The association reaffirmed its solidarity with both the wider medical community and the public, stressing the importance of protecting healthcare professionals who are pivotal to the delivery of patient care across the country.
KDA further stressed that arbitrary detention of medical professionals could have far-reaching consequences for hospital governance and service delivery.
It highlighted the potential for disruption to management processes and internal hospital operations, which could negatively affect patient care.
“The integrity of healthcare institutions must be protected,” Dr. Mundia said. “Arbitrary interference and unlawful detention in hospital management disputes compromise the ability of medical personnel to perform their duties and erode public trust in our health system.”
The association urged all state actors to respect constitutional rights and legal frameworks when handling disputes involving healthcare professionals and institutions.
It emphasized that due process is critical not only for the individuals concerned but also for safeguarding the broader interests of patients and the public.
KDA concluded by reiterating the urgent need for Dr. Obwaka’s release, calling on authorities to allow the proper legal processes to run their course and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens.
The Kenya Dental Association’s leadership, including Secretary-General Dr. Arnold Mallt, Treasurer Dr. Mildred Mavindu, and Council Members, reaffirmed that fairness, transparency, and the rule of law must guide all actions affecting medical professionals and healthcare institutions.
Dr. Job Obwaka’s detention has sparked significant concern within Kenya’s medical community, with KDA’s statement highlighting broader anxieties over due process, professional autonomy, and the protection of patient care amid ongoing legal disputes at the national level.
The association’s intervention reaffirms the critical role of professional bodies in advocating for the rights of healthcare practitioners while emphasizing the necessity of upholding constitutional principles in all matters of public interest.