Former President
Daniel Moi’s physician, David Silverstein/SCREENGRAB
Jeremy Silverstein has paid tribute to his late father, renowned Kenyan cardiologist Dr David Silverstein, describing him as an inspirational figure whose work ethic, dedication to medicine and adventurous spirit shaped the lives of those around him.
Speaking at The Nairobi Hospital, Jeremy recalled the impression Silverstein made on his family, friends, colleagues and the wider community.
“He inspired me in many ways,” Jeremy said, before highlighting what he described as his father's extraordinary work ethic.
Jeremy said he was struck by his father's energy even at the age of 82, describing it as something he found particularly inspirational.
“He had more energy than I do at the age of 29,” he said.
He recalled how his father would work through the night, including going into hospital in the middle of the night and ending up in the intensive care unit by 6.30 am.
Silverstein died on September 13 at the age of 82 after a medical career spanning more than four decades.
He was best known for serving as the personal physician of former President Daniel arap Moi for 42 years, beginning in 1977 when Moi was Vice President and continuing until his death in 2020.
His career also saw him treat prominent figures including former South African President Nelson Mandela and former Attorney General Charles Njonjo.
Beyond his high-profile patients, Silverstein made significant contributions to the development of cardiology in Kenya. He helped establish the region's first cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Kenyatta National Hospital and later headed its cardiology unit. He also served as chief cardiothoracic physician for the Kenyan government and spent decades practising at The Nairobi Hospital.
For Jeremy, however, his father's legacy was not defined only by his medical achievements.
He recalled that Silverstein became a doctor at the age of 22 after graduating from the University of Chicago Medical School, describing the achievement as remarkable.
“He dedicated his life to medicine,” Jeremy said.
He said his father cared deeply about the quality and standard of medical care and wanted patients from all backgrounds to receive the highest standard of treatment.
“He wanted to make sure that everybody, regardless of their background, had the highest standard of medical care,” he said.
Jeremy also remembered his father's adventurous side, particularly the journey that brought him from an immigrant Jewish family in Chicago to Kenya.
“Coming from his background, it's incredible that he ended up in Kenya. From an immigrant Jewish family in Chicago, to end up in Kenya. What a miracle,” he said.
Silverstein's move to Kenya followed his medical training in the United States. After graduating from the University of Chicago Medical School at 22, he completed his residency in Seattle and served in the US military at an Air Force base in Taiwan before moving to Kenya.
Jeremy said his father was willing to take unconventional paths rather than simply follow what was expected of him.
He cited his father's fear of flying as an example.
Jeremy said he had also feared flying from a young age, but unlike him, his father decided to confront the fear by obtaining a pilot's licence.
“The difference was my dad went and got a pilot's licence to overcome his fear of flying. I still have that same fear of flying,” he said.
