Ruto called Gachagua's doctor as Senate voted to oust him

Dr Daniel Gikonyo, Senior medic at Karen Hospital speaks to the press on October 17, 2024

On October 17, 2024, Dr Daniel Gikonyo was busy attending to then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Karen Hospital when a call came through.

It was President William Ruto.

Gachagua had been taken ill and rushed to the hospital with severe chest pains.

That same day, the Senate was conducting impeachment proceedings against him on accusations of advancing divisive politics, misconduct, abuse of office and violating the constitution.

"On October 17, 2024, while the first petitioner was under my care, I received a telephone call from the President of the Republic of Kenya, HE William Ruto, who inquired as to the first petitioner's condition and I confirmed that the first petitioner had indeed been admitted at Karen Hospital, Nairobi and was receiving treatment under my care," Gikonyo told the court in a sworn affidavit.

Gachagua, then 59, was admitted around 3pm on October 17, 2024, presenting symptoms described by the doctor as consistent with potential cardiac events.

He was treated for severe retrosternal chest pain, stabilised and discharged on October 20, 2024, on oral medication with follow-up.

"I personally supervised and monitored the first petitioner during his admission to October 20, 2024, upon which he was discharged," Gikonyo told the court.

On the day of his admission, the Senate was prosecuting Gachagua's impeachment and would later that night vote to uphold five out of the 11 charges against the former Deputy President, effectively removing him from office.

While the Senate cleared him of charges relating to specific corrupt acquisitions and some accusations of misconduct, 54 senators voted to uphold the first charge of gross violation of the constitution, exceeding the required threshold for his removal.

Gachagua challenged the impeachment. The case consolidates seven files by 41 petitioners, including Gachagua.

President Ruto is named as one of 16 respondents, placing him at the centre of the case in which his former deputy is seeking to clear himself of accusations levelled against him, including insubordination.

Petitioners argue the proceedings were hurried and denied the former DP a chance to defend himself.

Dr Gikonyo's affidavit forms part of the evidence Gachagua has tabled to argue his case.

The specialist cardiologist and Karen Hospital founder told the court that he has been treating Gachagua since 2006.

He said he conducted comprehensive clinical assessments on Gachagua, including physical examination, diagnostic investigations and other relevant cardiological evaluations for purposes of determining the underlying cause of his condition.

"Based on my professional expertise, such symptoms are clinically consistent with potential cardiac events, particularly in individuals aged 45 years and above and may be associated with underlying conditions including, but not limited to, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, elevated stress levels and obesity, all of which may predispose a patient to cardiac complications," Gikonyo said.

A three-judge bench is hearing the case and will weigh the evidence as the hearing resumes today, Thursday, May 7.

Gachagua has shifted his legal strategy to demand over Sh80 million in compensation and is no longer seeking reinstatement to his former position.