During the turbulent years of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi’s administration, when detention without trial, police brutality and political repression dominated national headlines, Dr. Gikonyo repeatedly made a choice that many of his colleagues feared to make — treating some of the government’s most outspoken critics.
In his memoir, Doctor at Heart, the renowned cardiologist recounts how medical professionals often found themselves under immense pressure whenever opposition figures required urgent treatment.
In his memoir, Doctor at Heart, the renowned cardiologist recounts how medical professionals often found themselves under immense pressure whenever opposition figures required urgent treatment.
The political atmosphere, he says, created fear even within hospitals, where doctors worried about possible repercussions for assisting those viewed as enemies of the state.
Among the prominent figures who came under his care was the outspoken cleric Rev. Timothy Njoya, who was admitted unconscious to Nairobi Hospital after suffering a brutal beating during pro-democracy demonstrations in 1999. Dr. Gikonyo was part of the medical team that worked to stabilize the injured activist.
Among the prominent figures who came under his care was the outspoken cleric Rev. Timothy Njoya, who was admitted unconscious to Nairobi Hospital after suffering a brutal beating during pro-democracy demonstrations in 1999. Dr. Gikonyo was part of the medical team that worked to stabilize the injured activist.
He also treated Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai following several violent attacks linked to her campaign to protect Karura Forest.
During confrontations with state-backed groups in 1992, 1996 and 1999, Maathai sustained head injuries while resisting attempts to grab public land.
Another patient was democracy activist Koigi wa Wamwere, who became seriously ill while in detention and was transferred to Nairobi Hospital in 1996.
Another patient was democracy activist Koigi wa Wamwere, who became seriously ill while in detention and was transferred to Nairobi Hospital in 1996.
Dr. Gikonyo also played a crucial role in the treatment of veteran opposition leader Kenneth Matiba, helping identify signs of cerebral hemorrhaging after his detention in 1991.
Former Cabinet minister and political reform advocate Charles Rubia was another notable patient. Rubia developed severe respiratory complications while incarcerated, prompting concerns among doctors about undertaking treatment under such politically charged circumstances.
According to Dr. Gikonyo, many medical practitioners feared becoming entangled in political controversies if anything went wrong during treatment.
“There was prevailing fear among doctors with regard to attending to people who were seen to be against the dreadful Moi administration,” he writes. Some colleagues reportedly worried that if a prominent opposition figure died during surgery, they could be accused of colluding with the state.
Despite those fears, Dr. Gikonyo says he deliberately chose to stand with those fighting for justice, democracy and human rights.
“I’ve always chosen to stand with the truth; to stand with honest people and to stand with what is right,” he explained during the launch of his book. “I chose the side of truth and the side of honour.”
One of his most memorable experiences involved visiting Charles Rubia while he was in detention. Friends warned him that making such a visit could attract unwanted attention from security agencies.
“When I went to see Rubia in detention, my friends were telling me I would not come back,” he recalled.
Yet he remained convinced that a doctor’s duty transcended politics. For him, medical ethics demanded that every patient receive care regardless of political affiliation, status or ideology.
Today, Dr. Gikonyo’s story offers a rare glimpse into the difficult choices faced by professionals during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy. While politicians and activists often occupy centre stage in narratives about the Second Liberation, his experiences highlight the quiet courage of individuals who supported the movement from behind the scenes.
By treating wounded activists, detained politicians and victims of political violence when many feared to do so, Dr. Gikonyo carved out a legacy that extends far beyond medicine — one rooted in principle, professional integrity and an unwavering commitment to humanity.
Former Cabinet minister and political reform advocate Charles Rubia was another notable patient. Rubia developed severe respiratory complications while incarcerated, prompting concerns among doctors about undertaking treatment under such politically charged circumstances.
According to Dr. Gikonyo, many medical practitioners feared becoming entangled in political controversies if anything went wrong during treatment.
“There was prevailing fear among doctors with regard to attending to people who were seen to be against the dreadful Moi administration,” he writes. Some colleagues reportedly worried that if a prominent opposition figure died during surgery, they could be accused of colluding with the state.
Despite those fears, Dr. Gikonyo says he deliberately chose to stand with those fighting for justice, democracy and human rights.
“I’ve always chosen to stand with the truth; to stand with honest people and to stand with what is right,” he explained during the launch of his book. “I chose the side of truth and the side of honour.”
One of his most memorable experiences involved visiting Charles Rubia while he was in detention. Friends warned him that making such a visit could attract unwanted attention from security agencies.
“When I went to see Rubia in detention, my friends were telling me I would not come back,” he recalled.
Yet he remained convinced that a doctor’s duty transcended politics. For him, medical ethics demanded that every patient receive care regardless of political affiliation, status or ideology.
Today, Dr. Gikonyo’s story offers a rare glimpse into the difficult choices faced by professionals during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy. While politicians and activists often occupy centre stage in narratives about the Second Liberation, his experiences highlight the quiet courage of individuals who supported the movement from behind the scenes.
By treating wounded activists, detained politicians and victims of political violence when many feared to do so, Dr. Gikonyo carved out a legacy that extends far beyond medicine — one rooted in principle, professional integrity and an unwavering commitment to humanity.
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