A growing standoff has erupted between Mt Kenya artists and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his recent remarks urging the boycott of musicians who visited Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) has strongly condemned Gachagua’s comments, terming them regressive and a threat to constitutional freedoms. Through its Chairman, Bob Ndolo, the association accused the former DP of attempting to silence artists and weaponize culture for political purposes.
“It is profoundly unfortunate that at a time when Kenya is working to dismantle barriers that have long denied our artists their rightful income, a former Deputy President would threaten private entertainment businesses unless they deny artists the right to earn a living,” Ndolo said.
Ndolo emphasised that artistic expression is protected under Articles 33 and 40 of the Constitution, which safeguard freedom of expression and the right to own and benefit from intellectual property. He added that such rights are not conditional and cannot be dictated by political preferences.
DCCAK urged artists to remain fearless in their craft, encouraging them to speak truth to power and use their platforms to educate the public on critical national issues like the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Housing Levy, and the Hustler Fund.
“To Rigathi Gachagua, we say this: Kenyan artists are not your subjects. They will not bow to your tune, nor will they seek your permission to speak. Their talent is God-given, not Gachagua-granted,” said Ndolo.
Gachagua, speaking at AIPCA Kihoya in Murang’a County, accused the artists of betraying the Mt Kenya community by meeting Kindiki. He claimed the musicians were being used to push misleading narratives about the government’s performance, particularly on healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
He added that after consulting with Mt Kenya elders, they agreed the artists must apologise to the community or face cultural and social sanctions, including public boycotts and social media unfollows.
The escalating row underscores tensions within Mt Kenya’s political landscape and raises critical questions about freedom of expression, cultural control, and the role of artists in political discourse.
