Dr. David Livingstone Oluoch Olunya, one of Kenya’s most respected neurosurgeons, was the physician who performed the final CPR on the late Raila Amolo Odinga, marking the end of a medical relationship that spanned over two decades.
Known for his precision, compassion, and humility, Dr. Olunya had been Raila’s personal physician and close confidant, overseeing his health through numerous medical procedures and check-ups both locally and abroad. His presence at Raila’s side in his final moments at The Nairobi Hospital was a reflection of a long, loyal, and deeply respectful bond between the two men.
A Distinguished Medical Career
Dr. Olunya’s journey in medicine began at the University of Nairobi, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1985. His pursuit of excellence led him to the University of Edinburgh, where he specialized in surgical neurology and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1998.
Today, he practices at The Nairobi Hospital, one of East Africa’s leading healthcare institutions, where he manages complex brain and spinal surgeries. His office at the Doctors’ Plaza is known for its steady stream of patients seeking his expertise in neurosurgical procedures and his attentive bedside manner.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Olunya is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, where he trains and mentors young medical professionals. His teaching philosophy blends technical mastery with empathy, emphasizing the human side of medicine.
The Man Behind the Surgeon
Beyond the operating theatre, Dr. Olunya has lived a life of remarkable versatility. Before dedicating himself fully to medicine, he was an accomplished rugby player, representing Kenya’s national rugby team and earning recognition as one of the sport’s standout players of his era.
Those who know him describe him as cheerful, calm, and deeply grounded, a man who carries both surgical precision and athletic discipline into every part of his life. His colleagues at Nairobi Hospital speak of his humility and his readiness to assist others without seeking credit.
Over the years, Dr. Olunya has treated several high-profile patients, but his relationship with Raila Odinga stood out — not just professionally, but personally. He was more than a doctor to the former Prime Minister; he was a trusted adviser, friend, and confidant through many of Raila’s health challenges.
A Legacy of Care and Commitment
As the doctor who administered the final CPR to Raila Odinga, Dr. Olunya’s role was both medical and symbolic — the culmination of decades of service to one of Kenya’s most influential leaders. His steady hands and compassionate heart defined a career devoted not only to saving lives but to serving the nation with integrity and honor.
In a country that has produced many great physicians, Dr. David Livingstone Oluoch Olunya stands out as a man whose skill, humility, and patriotism embody the very best of Kenyan medicine. His name will forever be linked to the final chapter of Raila Odinga’s storied life, but his broader legacy extends far beyond — into classrooms, hospitals, and the lives of every patient he has ever touched.
