Kenya Mourns: Former President Moi's Physician, Dr. David Silverstein, Passes Away

Renowned American-born consultant cardiologist Dr. David Morton Silverstein, who served as former President Daniel arap Moi’s personal physician for over four decades, has died at the age of 82. He passed away on a Sunday morning while undergoing treatment. Dr. Silverstein’s prolific career in Kenya, which began in 1977, significantly impacted the nation’s healthcare landscape, earning him recognition as a pioneering cardiologist.

Dr. Silverstein’s relationship with President Moi was particularly notable, spanning 42 years and extending beyond typical doctor-patient interactions. Their connection began in 1977 when Silverstein, then 33 and working at Kenyatta National Hospital, was called to see Moi, who was 60. Silverstein recalled that their meetings often included prayers, discussions on medical developments, the Old Testament, international politics, and even the situation in Israel.

His career in Kenya saw him play a pivotal role in the development of modern healthcare. He first worked at the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Kenyatta National Hospital, later heading its cardiology unit, and was eventually appointed chief cardiothoracic physician for the Government of Kenya. Among his major achievements was helping to establish Kenya's first cardiac catheterization laboratory at Kenyatta National Hospital, a significant milestone for specialized heart care in the country. He also contributed to training early generations of doctors post-independence, believing strongly that doctors should also be leaders, a philosophy evident in his extensive service at The Nairobi Hospital.

Beyond President Moi, Dr. Silverstein attended to several other prominent personalities, including former Attorney General Charles Njonjo and former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mandela received medical attention from Silverstein in July 1990 during a visit to Kenya when he fell ill with pneumonia. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka recounted in his 2016 biography, 'Against All Odds', how Mandela, despite looking frail, walked out of his plane and was subsequently monitored overnight by Dr. Silverstein at Nairobi Hospital.

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) mourned Dr. Silverstein's death, with President Dr. Ibrahim Matende describing him as a “prolific physician and pioneering cardiologist” whose service had a major impact. KMA emphasized that despite treating high-profile patients, Silverstein showed the same dedication to every patient. Dr. Silverstein documented his extraordinary medical journey in his 2023 memoir, 'Heartbeat: An American Cardiologist in Kenya'. His passing represents a profound loss to the medical fraternity and the nation, leaving behind an irreplaceable lifetime of knowledge and experience.