Gachagua admitted at Karen Hospital, suffering from 'intense chest pains' - Paul Muite tells Senate

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's lead Counsel Paul Muite says his client is suffering from chest pains.

Speaking before the Senate hours after the DP was taken ill, the Senior Counsel said Gachagua was currently admitted at Karen Hospital.

 He said that the deputy president, who was expected to appear before the Senate for grilling, would not be present, since his doctors had advised that he gets maximum rest.

"I have been able to contact the doctors at Karen Hospital… there is a team of doctors looking at the deputy president. Because of his condition, I was not able to directly talk to him but the advice of his doctors said he must have complete rest for the time being," said Muite.

"I was however informed by his doctors that he is currently suffering intense chest pains but I did not want to inquire beyond that."

Gachagua was expected to take the witness stand for cross-examination in his impeachment trial at around 12.30 pm but his legal team informed the Senate that he had been taken ill and rushed to hospital.

Muite pleaded with the Senate Speaker to accord him time to reach Gachagua and assess his situation before bringing a report by 5:00 pm. 

The National Assembly's counsel, however, differed with the argument and urged the speaker to proceed with the trial without the DP's presence as it is a time-bound process that ought to be concluded.

After the session resumed at 5 pm, the DP’s legal team reported back to the House that Gachagua had been diagnosed with intense chest pains and was admitted to Karen Hospital.