Lawyer Paul Muite has revealed that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is experiencing chest pains and has been admitted to Karen Hospital in Nairobi
The lawyer told the Senate Plenary on Thursday that Gachagua has been prescribed bed rest for now. noting that he was unable to speak directly to the DP, but spoke with his doctor.
Muite further revealed that it is not a choice Gachagua is making not to appear before the Senate for his impeachment trial. "I have been able to contact the doctors at Karen Hospital. There is a team of doctors who are looking after DP Gachagua. Because of his condition, I was not able to directly talk to him on the advice of his doctors that he must have complete rest for the time being. I was, however, informed that he is currently suffering intense chest pains," Muite asserted.
In his response, Muite asked the Senate to consider adjourning the hearing to Tuesday, October 22. However, lawyers representing the National Assembly have asserted that they are willing to forgo the cross-examination of Gachagua, and are asking for the impeachment motion to continue.
"The Deputy President has not chosen not to appear in the Senate…give the deputy president in the interest of justice, given the weight of removing a deputy president from office, give him a couple of days," Muite argued.
He added, "But just in order to perhaps save the time of this honorable house, let me invite Mr. Speaker and the house to look at article 145 (6) of the Constitution, it says 'If the special committee reports that the particulars of any allegations against the President/DP have been substantiated, the Senate shall after according the President an opportunity to be heard vote on the impeachment charges."
“So I do leave the matter in your hands. I would suggest article 145 (6b) doesn't have a time limit; give the DP a couple of days,” added Muite.
Eric Gumbo, who is among the lawyers representing the National Assembly argued that Gachagua would not be prejudiced if the Senate were to continue with the hearing. According to Gumbo, the law provides for a person to either appear in person, file responses through affidavits or be represented. Thus, Gumbo has asked for the impeachment trial set to conclude on Thursday to continue.
At 3 pm, it was revealed that Gachagua fell ill and was rushed to hospital just minutes after he was set to take the stand during an impeachment hearing against him at the Senate.
His lawyer Paul Muite told senators that his client had been taken ill following a lunch break at the impeachment trial. Today is when the senators were expected to vote on the 11 charges facing Gachagua.
Muite told the Senate, “The sad reality is that the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya has been taken very sick and as I address Mr Speaker and this House, he is in the hospital." He added, “That is the sad reality.”
