A doctor at the Karen hospital in Nairobi where embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was rushed after falling ill during the Senate proceedings has confirmed that the second in command was in stable condition.
Addressing the press at the hospital, Doctor Dan Gikonyo revealed that the deputy president was admitted at around 3 pm on Thursday, noting that the patient arrived complaining of chest pains.
In his update, Gikonyo disclosed that the deputy president was admitted immediately and underwent several tests including blood tests to find out the potential of any danger in his health.
"He came with chest pains. When you come with chest pains, our first concern is whether it has to do with the heart and our job is to make sure as an adult, you do not have a heart attack," the doctor told the press.
Gikonyo further added that DP Gachagua was stable and his blood pressure was okay but tests were still underway to further assess the DP's health.
"Any adult between the age of 45 years and 50 years can get heart problems, especially high blood pressure, diabetes and from family history, you can get those problems. That is why we tell people all the time to make lifestyle changes," the doctor added.
Dr Gikonyo insisted that the deputy president would have to spend at least between 48 hours and 72 hours at the facility to allow adequate time for the medical team to assess his situation.
"If you come with chest pains in any hospital in this country or even in other parts of the world, you will be held captive for at least 48 to 72 hours to rule out serious issues. I am sure you guys read a lot, stress can cause heart problems," Gikoyo stated.
The deputy president reportedly fell ill on the final day when he was supposed to undergo cross-examination by lawyers representing the National Assembly at the Senate. During the afternoon session, the second in command was nowhere to be seen, forcing Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to adjourn the proceedings momentarily.
Gachagua's lead Counsel Paul Muite informed the Senate that the deputy president had been rushed to the hospital after falling sick. Muite urged the Senate to adjourn its hearing on the matter until October 22.
"I have contacted the doctors who are attending to DP Gachagua and I was informed that he is currently suffering from intense chest pains," Muite told the trial house.
However, Muite's plea to have the session adjourned to a later date was thwarted by the Senators who insisted on commencing with the debate on the DP's ouster. The move prompted Gachagua's lawyers to walk out, nonetheless, the plenary proceedings remained uninterrupted.
