Heart surgeon blames Matiba stroke on State
Kenneth Matiba (right) was arrested and detained on July 4, 1990 together with Charles Rubia, and then political activist Raila Odinga, for demanding the re-introduction of multi-party democracy. He is seen here with Deputy President William Ruto who visited him at his Mombasa home. FILE. HOTO |
What you need to know:
- Dr Gikonyo said: “Mr Matiba’s condition could have been managed by quick treatment. However, he remained in detention despite his deteriorating health. He later suffered brain damage and stroke on one side.”
- The doctor explained that Mr Matiba went for surgery in London but permanently suffered paralysis. Mr Matiba, he added, went to London following an August 28, 2014 medical report, which was a follow up on a December 17, 2013 one.
- Mr Mwangi said Mr Matiba was hypertensive, suffered heart burns and was a smoker, but Dr Gikonyo said his client had stopped smoking.
Veteran politician Kenneth Matiba’s stroke could have been managed had he been taken for treatment early while in detention, a court heard yesterday.
Dr Dan Gikonyo, a heart specialist, testified that Mr Matiba suffered a stroke on May 26, 1991, but remained in detention until June 4, 1991, even after a head scan confirmed he was bleeding in the brain and needed urgent medical attention.
Dr Gikonyo said: “Mr Matiba’s condition could have been managed by quick treatment. However, he remained in detention despite his deteriorating health. He later suffered brain damage and stroke on one side.”
“Brain damage is irreparable, he has increasingly become weaker and is currently in a wheelchair. His agemates are still active yet he suffered permanent and total disability. My medical colleagues would agree that had he been given prompt medication, he would most probably be better today,” added Dr Gikonyo.
The doctor explained that Mr Matiba went for surgery in London but permanently suffered paralysis. Mr Matiba, he added, went to London following an August 28, 2014 medical report, which was a follow up on a December 17, 2013 one.
“His ability to perform and earn a living for himself was affected,” said Dr Gikonyo.
During cross examination, State lawyer Njoroge Mwangi questioned Dr Gikonyo on Mr Matiba’s health background before detention.
Mr Mwangi said Mr Matiba was hypertensive, suffered heart burns and was a smoker, but Dr Gikonyo said his client had stopped smoking.
“Literature can prove that those who quit smoking suffer no effects. Mr Matiba had quit smoking. High blood pressure, also if properly treated and the patient receives adequate care has no effect afterwards,” said Dr Gikonyo.
Mr Matiba, a key figure in Kenya’s second liberation struggle, sued the State on March 3, last year for unlawful detention.
He is seeking over Sh9 million as compensation. Hearing continues today.
