Gachagua in stable condition at Karen Hospital, to remain hospitalised - Dr Dan Gikonyo

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in stable condition following his admission to Karen Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Addressing the press outside Karen Hospital, Chief Cardiologist Dr Dan Gikonyo reported that Gachagua was admitted around 3 PM after experiencing severe chest pains.

"The deputy president was admitted here this afternoon. He came in about 3 o'clock. He came in with a lot of chest pains. He is undergoing various investigations, blood tests, ECGs, all the things we do to find out if there is any danger," said Dr. Gikonyo around 7:45 PM on Thursday.

He added, "Right now he is stable. The pain is less. Blood pressure is okay, and we are still carrying on with investigations."

Dr Gikonyo noted that Gachagua would require close monitoring for 48 to 72 hours to ensure his safety. "We have to keep him in for about 48-72 hours to make sure that he is safe," he said.

The Deputy President was taken ill just moments before he was scheduled to take the witness stand for cross-examination in his impeachment trial at the Senate.

Gachagua was expected to begin his testimony around 12:30 PM, but his legal team informed the Senate that he had been rushed to the hospital.

His attorney, Paul Muite, pleaded with the Senate Speaker to allow time to assess Gachagua's condition before reporting back by 5 PM. However, counsel for the National Assembly disagreed, urging the Speaker to proceed with the trial without the Deputy President's presence, citing the time-sensitive nature of the process.

After the session resumed at 5 PM, Gachagua’s legal team informed the House that he had been diagnosed with intense chest pains and admitted to Karen Hospital. They requested the Speaker grant them five days until Tuesday next week so that the Deputy President could recover and participate in the proceedings.

The Senate however voted against the motion to postpone the session, allowing for the impeachment hearing to continue in Gachagua's absentia