Gachagua Reveals Poisoning Attempts and Health Crisis

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made his first public appearance on Sunday and discussed his health status after failing to testify in the Senate.

Gachagua discloses that he had suffered a severe health scare just before his scheduled testimony at the Senate impeachment hearing. He recounts experiencing acute chest pain and respiratory distress, symptoms which prompted immediate medical intervention. According to Gachagua, medical professionals at Karen Hospital informed him that the timely treatment potentially saved his life. Though still recuperating, Gachagua expresses gratitude for the care he received and acknowledges the support of those who visited him during his hospitalization.

In a startling revelation, the former Deputy President alleged that there had been multiple attempts to poison him. He claims to have reported one such incident, which purportedly occurred in Kisumu, to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Gachagua further reports that his security detail was withdrawn following his hospitalization. He asserts that this action, along with the placement of his office staff on compulsory leave, was a deliberate attempt to impede his ability to function in his role.

“President withdrew all my guard. Again to cripple the functions. All officers in my office were sent on compulsory leave,” he says.

The political landscape surrounding Gachagua's impeachment remains fraught with tension. Despite mounting a vigorous legal defence, Gachagua was removed from office by the Senate on Thursday, October 17, following the National Assembly's endorsement of the charges against him. In the wake of his removal, the National Assembly unanimously voted for Professor Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president. However, the High Court has temporarily halted Gachagua's replacement, citing constitutional requirements that mandate the taking of an oath of office before Professor Kindiki can officially assume the role.