Prof Peter Amollo Odhiambo

Prof. Peter Amollo Odhiambo is Kenya’s first thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, a distinguished medical educator, and a lifelong advocate for public health. In the 1960s, he was among the students selected for Kenya’s historic student airlift to India, where he trained at some of the world’s leading medical institutions.

After returning home, he helped pioneer open-heart surgery in Kenya and embarked on a long teaching career at the University of Nairobi, mentoring generations of doctors who continue to serve across the country.

Outside the operating room, Prof. Odhiambo played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s tobacco control laws. He confronted powerful multinational corporations and championed public health legislation that continues to save lives. His career reflects a deep commitment to excellence, justice, and national service.

Making the Cut is his first memoir. It offers a candid look at the personal and professional journey of a man who has worked at the intersection of medicine, policy, and post-independence nation-building. He lives in Nairobi.