Dr. Kibata Githeko became an eye surgeon due to a personal mission against diabetic blindness, inspired by his father’s battle with the disease. His father, diabetic for as long as Kibata could remember, went blind at 58 and developed kidney complications at 59. Witnessing his father’s struggle deeply affected Kibata, and he vowed to prevent others from suffering the same fate. He specialized in treating cataracts, retina, and vitreous diseases, founding City Eye Hospital with clinics in Nairobi and Nyeri.
Dr. Kibata was not only recognized for his surgical skills but also for his integrity and strong faith. His clinics never operated on Saturdays, allowing him and his staff to rest and practice their faith. He also resisted bribery demands from government officials, choosing to wait for proper approvals for his clinic’s operations, despite the delays.
Kibata’s last public appearance was as a speaker at the African Ophthalmology Council Congress in July 2024. He passed away from cancer on September 18, 2024, at the age of 54. His faith, family, and ethical business practices were his greatest sources of pride.
