Gachagua nearly suffered stroke during impeachment trial - Wamalwa

DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa has stated that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua nearly suffered a stroke while he was taken ill during his impeachment trial at the Senate.

Addressing the media after visiting Gachagua at Karen Hospital on Friday, Wamalwa, who was accompanied by Azimio-aligned leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka, claimed that doctors at the facility informed him that Gachagua was suffering from high blood pressure at the time he was admitted.

Wamalwa added that Gachagua was under intense stress to the extent of nearly getting a stroke.

"His doctors have told us here today that when he was admitted here he had serious chest pains. In fact, he had very high blood pressure... The stress he had gone through, he was short of getting a stroke but they admitted him. They have managed him," said Wamalwa. "We thank Dr. Gikonyo and his team of doctors for the good care they have given Rigathi Gachagua."

Wamalwa and Kalonzo criticized the Senate for failing to allow Gachagua time to recuperate and appear before the House to defend himself.

"What happened in the Senate last night, as historic as it was, has serious flaws. Kenyans should expect protracted legal argument. We didn’t even discuss this with Gachagua, but we are aware that his teams have already moved to court," said Kalonzo. "As senior counsel, the law of natural justice demands that no person shall be condemned unheard."

The Azimio leaders, however, expressed optimism that the former deputy president would get justice in court.

"We pray and hope that his excellency's team appears before court; they will do justice. They (Senate) should have been fair and allowed Gachagua to defend himself. The matter as of today rests with the judiciary," said Wamalwa.