Speaking about Gachagua’s health history, Dr Gikonyo said he first began attending to him on 10 July 2006, establishing what he described as a continuous medical relationship over the years.
He explained that this long-term care allowed him to closely monitor the former deputy president’s health status and any emerging medical concerns over time.
Dr Gikonyo further recounted an incident in which Gachagua was admitted to Karen Hospital on 17 October 2024 after developing chest pains.
He noted that the symptoms presented at the time were concerning and required urgent medical attention.
According to the doctor, chest pain is a symptom that must always be treated with caution, especially when assessed alongside a patient’s risk factors.
He explained that such symptoms can sometimes point to serious underlying conditions, including the possibility of a heart attack, depending on clinical evaluation.
“I have taken care of Rigathi Gachagua since 10th July 2006. He was hospitalized at Karen Hospital on 17th October 2024.
He was received with chest pains, and based on my experience, those symptoms, depending on risk factors, may indicate a heart attack,” Dr Gikonyo said.
Medical experts often emphasise that chest pain should never be ignored, as it can range from mild discomfort to signs of life-threatening cardiac conditions.
Factors such as age, lifestyle, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and family history are typically considered when assessing the seriousness of such symptoms.
Dr Gikonyo’s remarks highlight the importance of timely medical intervention when patients present with cardiovascular warning signs.
He noted that early assessment and treatment play a key role in preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.
The account also sheds light on the broader responsibility of long-term healthcare providers in tracking patient health over extended periods.
Continuous care, doctors say, helps in identifying patterns, managing chronic conditions and responding quickly when emergencies arise.
While no additional details were provided regarding Gachagua’s condition following the admission, the statement underscores the seriousness with which the medical team handled the situation at the time.