Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly rebuked his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, for urging a boycott of Mt Kenya artists who visited him at his official residence in Karen. Speaking at an empowerment event for traders in Kabete, Kiambu County, Kindiki called on Gachagua to stop disrespecting and lecturing others.
“Who are you to lecture us? Are you God? Go give those lectures in your house,” Kindiki said. He emphasized that respect must be mutual and earned, not demanded. “I’m not afraid of anyone. Let’s respect one another,” he added.
Kindiki downplayed the number of artists Gachagua criticized, noting only 50 musicians had attended the Karen meeting, and declared plans to host 500 more to show support for the creative sector, which he said has long suffered exploitation.
He accused Gachagua of sowing division and dragging the Mt Kenya region into needless political drama, warning that such rhetoric undermines national progress.
His remarks came in response to Gachagua’s statement at AIPCA Kihoya in Murang’a, where he labeled the artists “traitors” for allegedly misleading the community about government progress. Gachagua said Mt Kenya elders had asked for public apologies from the musicians and called for boycotts if they refused—urging fans to stop listening to their music and unfollow them online.
Gachagua claimed the musicians were being used to falsely promote the government’s achievements. However, Kindiki maintained the Karen meeting was meant to address real issues like low income and exploitation in the music industry, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Kenyan talent.
Kindiki’s comments signal growing tensions and political rifts within the Mt Kenya leadership ahead of 2027, as leaders jostle for influence in the vote-rich region.
