The incident occurred during ongoing proceedings in which medical evidence and timelines surrounding Gachagua’s admission to Karen Hospital have been under scrutiny.
As questions were raised in court regarding allegations that the former Deputy President may have sought refuge in the hospital during a politically sensitive period, Dr Gikonyo responded in a manner that prompted a brief reaction from those present.
He explained that the president inquired about the status of the patient, prompting him to provide a general update on the ongoing medical process at the hospital.
“He asked about the status of the patient, and I responded accordingly. I just said that we are in the process of doing various tests, and as soon as we conclude, we shall let him know,” he added.
According to the cardiologist, standard medical protocol requires careful handling of patient information, especially in sensitive cases involving high-profile individuals.
He noted that while general updates can be shared, detailed medical information is only disclosed with the explicit consent of the patient.
Dr Gikonyo further told the court that before sharing any specific information, he sought permission from Gachagua, who was admitted to the hospital after allegedly experiencing chest complications during his impeachment proceedings at the Senate.
“When I said that I had to seek clearance from the patient, which I did, he gave me permission,” the cardiologist told the courtroom.
The court was informed that such procedures are part of standard medical ethics, which require doctors to balance confidentiality with legitimate inquiries from close family members and, in some cases, senior government officials.
Dr Gikonyo’s testimony was aimed at clarifying the circumstances under which information about the former Deputy President’s condition was communicated during his admission and treatment period.
The revelation added a new dimension to the ongoing proceedings, which have focused on the timeline of Gachagua’s hospitalisation, the nature of his treatment, and the handling of his medical records.