Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment case took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after a senior heart specialist told the High Court that President William Ruto personally called him during the tense hours leading to Gachagua’s removal from office in 2024.
Dr. Daniel Gikonyo, founder of Karen Hospital, testified before a three-judge bench that the President contacted him on October 17, 2024, to inquire about Gachagua’s medical condition while the then-Deputy President was receiving emergency treatment.
According to the cardiologist, Gachagua had been admitted with severe chest pain and required close monitoring for at least 72 hours to rule out a possible cardiac complication.
The testimony is now becoming a central part of Gachagua’s legal battle, where he is seeking Sh80 million in damages over what he claims was an unlawful impeachment process.
- Dr. Daniel Gikonyo confirmed receiving a phone call from President Ruto during Gachagua’s hospitalization.
- The call allegedly happened on the same day senators voted to impeach Gachagua.
- Gachagua’s lawyers argue the Presidency knew he was seriously ill before the impeachment proceeded.
- State lawyers questioned the credibility of the medical documents presented in court.
- The High Court allowed the controversial affidavit into the official record despite objections from state agencies.
- The case continues to attract nationwide attention due to the political fallout between Ruto and Gachagua.
During cross-examination, lawyers representing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki challenged the medical report, arguing that it lacked detailed clinical evidence and identified the patient only using initials and a passport number.
However, Dr. Gikonyo defended the decision, saying the move was aimed at protecting the confidentiality of a high-profile patient during a politically sensitive period.
Government lawyers also suggested that the reported cardiac emergency may have been used as a strategy to delay the Senate proceedings. On the other hand, Gachagua’s legal team maintains that the intense political pressure and alleged betrayal contributed to his medical collapse.
The matter is currently being heard by Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi, who ruled earlier that the doctor’s affidavit was important in determining whether Gachagua’s constitutional rights were violated during the impeachment process.
Political analysts say the outcome of the case could shape future constitutional interpretations on how state officers facing medical emergencies should be treated during major legal or political proceedings.
The court is expected to hear more testimony from Senate officials and other witnesses as the high-profile case continues.
