By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 13 May 2026 - A dramatic moment unfolded at the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday when renowned cardiologist Dr Dan Gikonyo openly questioned why he had been summoned to testify in the impeachment case involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Appearing before a three-judge High Court bench comprising Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi, the chief cardiologist at The Karen Hospital found himself at the centre of heated legal exchanges over medical documents linked to Gachagua’s October 2024 hospitalisation.
At one point during cross-examination, Dr Gikonyo appeared frustrated by persistent questions touching on Senate proceedings and legal processes instead of medicine.
“Sometimes I really don’t know why I am here,” the cardiologist told the packed courtroom amid loud laughter.
“My understanding is that I am here to answer medical questions about a petitioner in hospital. So, about law things and Senate, I am ignorant,” he added, triggering another wave of laughter from lawyers, litigants and members of the public.
The testimony took an even more dramatic twist when Dr Gikonyo disclosed that William Ruto personally called him while Gachagua was admitted at hospital to inquire about his condition.
“I did receive a call from the President on the status of the patient and responded accordingly,” Dr Gikonyo testified.
The cardiologist, however, clarified that he first sought Gachagua’s consent before discussing his condition with the Head of State.
“But your honour, you must allow me say this, that when I said that, I had to seek clearance from the patient whether it was okay for me to do so. He gave me permission,” he said.
Dr Gikonyo told the court that he has been treating Gachagua since July 10, 2006, and personally supervised his admission at Karen Hospital after the former Deputy President complained of chest pains.
“The patient, Hon Rigathi Gachagua, arrived at approximately 3PM and was admitted at Karen Hospital at 4:18PM on October 17, 2024,” he testified.
“He was discharged on November 20, 2024 at 1:36PM.”
The doctor explained that the symptoms raised fears of a possible heart attack and required immediate hospitalisation and specialised tests.
“Chest pains have two categorizations. There is chest pain that can occur if you are going to have a heart attack,” he told the judges.
“In this particular person, I must admit, there was additional raised factors of stress. And stress has its own problems of affecting the heart.”
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Trouble for the witness began when lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu challenged the authenticity of the medical affidavit, arguing that the documents only identified the patient using the initials “R.G”.
“In this country, we identify individuals using national identity cards or passport numbers. Does this document contain any such identification?” Thiankolu asked.
Dr Gikonyo defended the use of initials, saying confidentiality standards in medical practice informed the decision.
“Deliberately not,” he responded.
The courtroom burst into laughter moments later after Thiankolu suggested the initials could refer to multiple individuals.
“In my class they call me DK,” the cardiologist quipped.
Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda, appearing for the Senate, argued that Gachagua had been accorded an opportunity to defend himself during the impeachment proceedings.
“Rigathi Gachagua appeared before the Senate. He had a chance to call witnesses,” Ojienda submitted.
He further argued that senators were never given an opportunity to interrogate the medical findings presented by Gachagua’s team and therefore could not suspend the impeachment proceedings.
Gachagua’s legal team is led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite.
The former Deputy President attended the proceedings accompanied by his wife, children and opposition-allied leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa and Cleophas Malala.
“I Really Don’t Know Why I Am Here": Gachagua’s Doctor Tells Court
Dr Dan Gikoyo of Karen Hospital testifies to prove that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was hospitalised and not "hidden"