Cardiologist Dr. Gikonyo defends medical report supporting Gachagua in impeachment case

Dr. Gikonyo defended his medical assessment of Gachagua, telling the court that, based on his professional expertise, the symptoms presented by the former Deputy President were consistent with a possible heart attack.

The cardiologist explained that upon Gachagua’s admission, doctors followed standard medical procedures after he complained of chest pains and other symptoms associated with cardiac distress.

According to Dr. Gikonyo, stress was among the factors considered during the examination, adding that Gachagua’s condition warranted immediate admission for close monitoring and further medical tests to determine the cause of the chest pains and rule out serious heart complications.

Gachagua has moved to court challenging the process that led to his impeachment, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing after proceedings allegedly continued despite his medical condition, thereby denying him sufficient opportunity to defend himself.

During cross-examination, Dr. Gikonyo further told the court that he had already addressed discrepancies raised in his medical documents during earlier testimony.

He maintained that the issues highlighted by lawyers did not amount to inconsistencies, explaining that the records related to different occurrences and timelines surrounding Gachagua’s treatment.

The cardiologist also urged the court to consider the context under which the medical records and affidavit were prepared, even though some of the explanations were not expressly captured in the affidavit itself.

On the issue of identification, lawyers questioned why the medical document only carried the initials “R.G” alongside a passport number instead of the patient’s full name, arguing that the initials alone could not conclusively identify the patient.

In response, Dr. Gikonyo admitted that the initials “R.G” could technically refer to another individual, but said the omission of the full name was deliberate and intended to preserve patient confidentiality.

He however clarified to the court that, in this instance, the initials “R.G” referred to Rigathi Gachagua.