Beatrice Wangari has spent 10 days in custody as detectives investigate the death of veteran gynaecologist Dr Job Obwaka.
Wangari appeared before Kibera Law Courts and asked the court to release her on bail.
Through her lawyer, Levi Munyeri, she argued that investigators had not presented enough reasons to justify her continued detention.
Defence challenges detention request
Police arrested Wangari on Friday night at Nairobi Hospital.
The arrest happened shortly after Dr. Obwaka collapsed at her Kitengela home.
Her lawyer told the court that Wangari acted quickly after the incident.
Munyeri said she called a neighbour, who helped arrange an ambulance.
He added that Wangari also contacted Dr. Obwaka’s personal physician, who advised her to take him to Nairobi Hospital.
“That was her first reaction when the doctor collapsed in her house,” Munyeri told the court.
Dr. Obwaka dies after Kitengela visit
The court heard that Dr. Obwaka visited Wangari at her home in Kitengela, Kajiado County.
According to the proceedings, the doctor developed breathing difficulties after a meal.
The 83-year-old doctor worked as a director at Nairobi Hospital.
Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival on May 1, 2026.
His death has attracted public attention amid a leadership dispute at the hospital.
Defence opposes DCI detention request
Wangari’s lawyer opposed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) request for 14 more days of detention.
Munyeri argued that investigators had already searched Wangari’s home and vehicle.
He said the searches did not produce evidence linking her to any crime.
“A person of interest is not necessarily a suspect… she has not even become a suspect,” Munyeri told the court.
Prosecution links Wangari to investigation
The prosecution asked the court to allow more time for investigations.
Lawyers told the court that Wangari was the last person with Dr. Obwaka before his death.
They argued that she could provide important information about the case.
The prosecution also raised concerns about possible interference with witnesses and ongoing investigations.
The investigators said they still needed to complete a postmortem and toxicology tests.
“We believe she has information that is crucial to this investigation,” the prosecution told the court.
Court orders 10-day detention
The court allowed the prosecution’s request and ordered Wangari to remain in custody for 10 days.
The order will give detectives more time to complete key parts of the investigation.
The case will continue as investigators gather more information about Dr. Obwaka’s death.
