Dr Gikonyo Reveals Ruto Personally Called Him After Gachagua’s Sudden Hospitalisation During Impeachment Hearing
Fresh details have emerged in court over former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s dramatic admission to hospital during his October 2024 impeachment proceedings, after cardiologist Dr Dan Gikonyo disclosed that President William Ruto personally contacted him to inquire about Gachagua’s condition.
Appearing before the court on Wednesday, May 13, Dr Gikonyo testified that the Head of State called him while the former deputy president was receiving treatment at Karen Hospital following reports that he had developed chest complications during the heated Senate impeachment process.
“Your honour, there are always follow-up calls from relatives, parents and friends. And in this particular case, I must be honest enough to specify that I did receive a call from the president,” Dr Gikonyo told the court.
The senior cardiologist said President Ruto sought an update on Gachagua’s medical status, but he informed him that doctors were still conducting tests and examinations at the time.
“He asked about the status of the patient, and I responded accordingly. I just said that we are in the process of doing various tests, and as soon as we conclude, we shall let him know,” he testified.
Dr Gikonyo further revealed that before discussing the patient’s condition with the president, he first sought and obtained consent from Gachagua himself.
“When I said that I had to seek clearance from the patient, which I did, he gave me permission,” the doctor stated during the proceedings.
The revelations emerged during a tense cross-examination session in which lawyers scrutinised the medical evidence presented to support claims surrounding Gachagua’s health condition at the time of the impeachment hearing.
Lawyers representing the respondents questioned why crucial supporting medical records — including echocardiogram graphs, imaging scans and laboratory reports — were not attached to the affidavit submitted before the court.
“You will agree with me that that machine generates a report and a graph,” one lawyer posed during the exchange.
“Yes, it does,” Dr Gikonyo responded.
Pressed further on whether the graphs and laboratory findings explaining the former deputy president’s condition had been filed in court, the cardiologist admitted that although the tests had been conducted, the accompanying records had not been attached to the affidavit.
He maintained, however, that the documents existed and could be produced if required by the court.
The courtroom exchange is expected to intensify debate over the circumstances surrounding Gachagua’s illness, which became a major talking point during the politically charged impeachment proceedings that rocked the country last year.
At the time, Gachagua’s allies argued that his health condition prevented him from effectively participating in the Senate process, while critics questioned the timing and severity of the medical emergency.
The latest testimony now places President Ruto directly within the chain of communication surrounding the former deputy president’s treatment, potentially adding a fresh political dimension to the ongoing court battle.
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