Fresh Details have emerged linking a woman to the sudden death of prominent physician Dr Job Obwaka, with investigators now pursuing a suspected poisoning case after his final hours were spent at her home.
The Directors of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has secured a court order to detain Beatrice Wanagri for 10 working days to allow completion of investigations, following an application at the Kibera High Court.
According to an affidavit filed by Sergeant Rhoda Nzioka, Dr Obwaka travelled from Nairobi to Kitengela on Friday, where he met Wanagri before proceeding to her residence in Milimani. Court documents state that the two shared a meal before retiring to the bedroom, where they became intimate.
Moments later, the 79-year old doctor’s condition reportedly worsened. “The deceased developed complications, and Wangari sought help from her neighbour, Mr Shadrack Korir, who accompanied her to the house and found the deceased lying supine on the bed, unresponsive, dressed in a white vest and black trousers, with his eyes closed,” Sergeant Nzioka stated.
Emergency responders were called to the scene and attempted to stabilise him before rushing him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Investigators told the court they are exploring the possibility of poisoning after recovering several items from Wangari’s home, including utensils, partially consumed alcohol, medication and bedding, some which had food residue. “The team is investigating a suspected poisoning case that may have occurred at the respondent’s residence. The items recovered are awaiting forensic analysis, which cannot be compromised by the respondent’s release,” Nzioka said.
The exhibits have been submitted to the Government Chemist for toxicological analysis, while post-mortem examination is scheduled for May 5, 2026, to establish the exact cause of death.
Wangari was arrested on Friday night at the hospital after accompanying the doctor. Police also indicated that she is yet to undergo a mental assessment, a requirement before any murder charges can be considered.
Her lawyer, Levi Munyeri, opposed the detention, confirming that the two were in a long-term relationship known to the doctor’s family. “Wangari has already disclosed it in her statement. They were close friends, and the family was aware. Her visit was in the ordinary course of their relationship,” he told the court.
“You cannot criminalise affection. There is no wrongdoing in the fact that the deceased visited her and they spent time together,” he added.
Munyeri further argued that his client had cooperated fully with investigators and was not a flight risk, noting that she had raised the alarm after the doctor collapsed and contacted his personal physician.
However, the court sided with investigators, ruling: “The State is granted 10 working days to complete investigations.”
The case has drawn significant public attention, with authorities warning that Wangari’s safety could be at risk if released.
Dr Obwaka’s death comes barely a month after his arrest outside his clinic over allegations linked to falsification of hospital records. He had also reportedly been in poor health since mid-March after collapsing at the Milimani Law Courts.
The unfolding is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
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