Moi's Personal Doctor Dr Silverstein Dead

Dr. David Silverstein, the American cardiologist who served for decades as former President Daniel arap Moi's personal physician, has died at 82.

News of his death was shared on Sunday by KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi, who paid tribute to the doctor for the care he gave his father.

"He took time to listen, understand and care, bringing warmth to his practice of medicine. This was the same humanity and compassion he extended to everyone under his care," Moi said.

Silverstein first met Moi at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in 1977, when the latter was serving as vice president. He was appointed the president's personal physician in 1983 and held the position for several decades.

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.

Born in Chicago, Silverstein arrived in Kenya in 1974 after completing his medical training in the United States.

He joined the University of Nairobi Medical School, where he helped establish and run an early cardiac catheterisation laboratory at KNH.

He went on to head the hospital's cardiology unit and taught generations of medical students.

In 1977, he was appointed chief cardiothoracic physician for the Government of Kenya. He later moved to The Nairobi Hospital, where he continued practising medicine and became widely recognised for his contribution to cardiology in Kenya.

Beyond his work with Moi, Silverstein also treated other prominent figures, including former South African President Nelson Mandela.

He is survived by his wife, Channa Commanday, and their four sons. The cause and exact date of his death have not been publicly disclosed.

Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi on Sunday 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.