Mount Kenya Showdown: Digital Creators Slam Gachagua’s Boycott Call on Musicians as ‘Dangerous and Regressive’
A storm is brewing in the Mount Kenya region after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged locals to boycott several popular musicians.
On Sunday, May 25, while speaking in Murang’a, Gachagua stirred controversy by claiming that musicians who met Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s successor had “betrayed the community.”
“They went and were given Ksh50,000. The people they go to entertain are tired of the administration, yet they go and sit down with people who are still frustrating us,” Gachagua said.
“We should unfollow artists who don’t apologise to the community.”
This statement sent shockwaves across Kenya’s digital and creative space.
DCCAK Fights Back
In a powerful statement, DCCAK Chair Bob Ndolo didn’t hold back.
“We are deeply disturbed by remarks made today by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
“From the altar of a church, he openly called for the boycott of Kenyan artists and the silencing of their voices unless they sing in his praise.”
Ndolo went on to describe Gachagua’s statements as a direct “affront to the constitutional freedoms of expression, creativity, and enterprise.”
Artists Are Not Puppets
DCCAK insisted that art must never be reduced to a political mouthpiece.
“Art is not a tool to be wielded by political interests,” the statement read.
“It is the mirror through which society sees itself – the laughter, the sorrow, the truth, and the dreams of a people.”
The association emphasized that Kenya is still fighting to uplift its creatives. Gachagua’s remarks, they said, threaten to undo years of progress.
“Such pronouncements reek of dictatorship, intolerance, and a disturbing sense of entitlement to control thought and culture in Mt Kenya and beyond.”
Kindiki Hits Back Too
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki also pushed back. Speaking in Kabete, he fiercely defended the accused artists.
“The government will not tolerate political intolerance,” he said during an economic empowerment meeting with SACCO members.
Kindiki rarely shows emotion in public. But this time, he didn’t hold back. He appeared deeply frustrated, especially after Gachagua alleged Kindiki bribed the artists with Ksh50,000 to attend a Karen meeting on March 23.
Unity Over Intimidation
As tension grows, Kenyans from all walks of life are demanding respect for freedom of expression. Artists, creators, and entertainers are urging leaders to unite the region, not divide it with threats and accusations.
ALSO READ :Drama in the Mountain: Kindiki Defends Musicians, Dares Gachagua to Show Proof
Mount Kenya Showdown: Digital Creators Slam Gachagua’s Boycott Call on Musicians as ‘Dangerous and Regressive’
