Dr. David Silverstein, physician to late President Moi, dies

Dr. David Silverstein, the longtime personal physician to Kenya’s late President Daniel arap Moi, has died. His death was announced by former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Born in Chicago in 1944, Silverstein studied at the University of Chicago School of Medicine and completed cardiology fellowship training at the University of Washington. Although he initially arrived in Kenya in 1974 for a short stay, he remained in the country for a lifetime of medical service.

Silverstein’s relationship with President Moi began in 1977 when Moi was serving as Vice President. He served as the former president’s personal physician for 42 years, managing his medical care at State House and various facilities until Moi’s death in February 2020. President William Ruto described Silverstein as a distinguished practitioner who made pioneering contributions to cardiology and left a lasting impact on Kenya’s healthcare sector.