Dr David Silverstein, the physician who cared for former President Daniel arap Moi for more than four decades, has died.
The news was announced on Sunday by Gideon Moi, the former Baringo senator and son of the late president.
Gideon described Silverstein as a devoted doctor and close friend whose relationship with the Moi family extended well beyond the consulting room.
He said the physician was known for his careful attention to patients and his compassion.
“Dr Silverstein left a lasting impression on those he treated,” Gideon said, recalling the care he gave to his father.
For Silverstein, he added, Moi was not simply a patient. He was someone whose health and dignity mattered to him personally.
The Moi family offered its condolences to Silverstein’s wife, Channa Commanday, and the rest of his family.
“We are deeply grateful to them for allowing Dr Silverstein to walk with Mzee Moi throughout his journey of health,” Gideon said.
Silverstein first treated Moi in 1977, when Moi was vice-president. He remained his personal physician for 42 years, until Moi died at Nairobi Hospital in February 2020.
Their professional relationship eventually became a close friendship.
Silverstein often accompanied Moi on overseas trips and regularly attended to him during his presidency. In 2018, for example, he travelled with Moi to Israel for a medical check-up. Contemporary reports identified him as the former president’s personal physician.
At Moi’s burial in 2020, Silverstein spoke about their friendship and recalled their long conversations about medicine, faith and international affairs. He also described Moi as a patient who generally followed medical advice.
Silverstein’s work extended beyond his private practice. He also lectured medical students at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo campus, sharing his experience with a younger generation of doctors.
His death marks the end of a long chapter in the medical history of one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures.
For the Moi family, Silverstein was remembered not only as the doctor who cared for their father, but as a trusted friend who remained by his side for more than 40 years.
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