Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, commonly referred to as "broken heart" syndrome. This co
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, commonly referred to as “broken heart” syndrome. This condition impairs the heart’s ability to pump effectively by weakening the left ventricle, its main pumping chamber.
According to Harvard Medical School, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress cardiomyopathy, occurs when the lower part of the left ventricle balloons with each heartbeat, resembling a tako-tsubo, a traditional Japanese octopus trap. While the precise cause remains unclear, both emotional and physical stress are believed to trigger this condition.
On October 17, Gachagua experienced “intense chest pains” and was swiftly transported to Karen Hospital just before his scheduled cross-examination in the Senate’s impeachment trial.
Dr. Dan Gikonyo, who is overseeing Gachagua’s care, confirmed the diagnosis and recommended a 72-hour observation period. “He was admitted with severe chest pain, and we are running tests, including ECGs. He is stable for now,” Dr. Gikonyo reported.
Gachagua’s lead counsel, Paul Muite, informed the Senate that doctors had prescribed complete rest, preventing Gachagua from attending the ongoing impeachment trial.
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