Dr David Silverstein, the longtime personal physician of late President Daniel arap Moi, has died.
The announcement was made by former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi on Sunday.
Gideon mourned Silverstein as a dedicated doctor whose care and friendship remained deeply valued by the Moi family.
In a statement, Gideon said Silverstein left a lasting impression on those he treated, praising his attention to detail and empathy.
“Dr Silverstein left a lasting impression on those he treated, and we witnessed firsthand his attention to detail and empathy,” Gideon said.
He said Silverstein viewed his responsibility to Mzee Moi as more than a doctor-patient relationship, taking time to listen, understand and care for the former president.
“To him, Mzee Moi was not merely a client. He was a human being whose health, dignity and wellbeing mattered deeply to him,” he said.
Gideon described Silverstein as a doctor who extended the same humanity and compassion to everyone under his care.
On behalf of the Moi family, he extended condolences to Silverstein’s family, led by his wife, Channa Commanday.
“We are deeply grateful to them for allowing Dr Silverstein to walk with Mzee Moi throughout his journey of health,” Gideon said.
“His care and friendship will always be remembered with gratitude.”
He prayed for Silverstein’s eternal rest and strength for his family during the period of mourning.
Silverstein was best known for his long association with retired President Daniel arap Moi.
He first treated Moi in 1977, when Moi was Vice President, and remained his personal physician for 42 years, until Moi's death in February 2020.
Silverstein said their relationship developed beyond that of doctor and patient into a close friendship.
During Moi’s presidency, Silverstein regularly attended to him and was involved in his medical care at State House.
During Moi’s final illness at Nairobi Hospital in 2019–2020, Silverstein was identified as the physician leading the team managing the former president.
Beyond clinical practice, Silverstein was involved in medical education.
He gave medical lectures to students at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo campus.
