KIAMBU, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a sharp retort to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for Kenyans to boycott musicians who visited him in Karen.
Kindiki declared his intention to invite an even larger group of artists, numbering 500, in defiance of Gachagua’s stance.
Speaking with evident anger during an economic empowerment program for small-scale traders and Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) held in Kabete Constituency, Kiambu County, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Kindiki cautioned Gachagua against his provocative response.
“He speaks with contempt and menaces people. If you look at me now, I truly am not easily intimidated. Let us show mutual respect. Those musicians came fifty; now I intend to invite five hundred more to assemble in Karen and see what you will do,” Kindiki stated.
Kindiki suggested that Gachagua may have misjudged the situation by urging Kenyans to boycott singers who visited his home. He remarked that while he once perceived Gachagua as humble and courteous, he might be surprised to find otherwise.
According to Kindiki, Gachagua’s statement directly insulted and disrespected him, and Gachagua should not be surprised by any subsequent retaliation, as he was the one who initiated the controversy.
“Let us respect each other, my friend. I am a man of honour, but if you come within shooting range, we will deal with you. And if you see us slow and composed, we are not pushovers. Do not lecture us; we are not your children. Take your lectures elsewhere,” he added.
Kindiki questioned Gachagua’s authority to command Kenyans to boycott singers, asserting that he lacks the capacity to issue such directives. He expressed disbelief that Gachagua would focus on such trivial matters, stating that he, unlike Gachagua, is focused on critical issues affecting the Mt Kenya region, such as coffee reforms, boda boda funds, and women’s empowerment.
“The time for praise or idle talk is over. I do not know whom you are praising or where you are heading next. Stop. At this moment, we are defending coffee, milk, and boda boda riders. We are championing empowerment. If that is the case, why do we not defend musicians?.”
Furthermore, Kindiki cautioned Gachagua against constantly mentioning him and condemned the former Mathira MP, emphasizing that Kenyans are not his children to whom he can freely direct insults. “And if you see us slow and composed, we are not pushovers. Do not lecture us; we are not your children. Go and deliver your lectures elsewhere.”
Gachagua calls for musicians’ apology
Earlier, while attending a church service at AIPCA Kihoya in Kangema Constituency, Murang’a County, Gachagua called on all singers from the Mt Kenya region who had accepted Kindiki’s invitation to Karen to issue a sincere apology, warning of harsher repercussions if they failed to do so.
He directly warned that if they refused to apologize, Kenyans should unfollow them and cease inviting them to entertainment venues.
“We are very sad that some of our artistes have become traitors for the community. They were invited at Karen by Mr Moneybags and told to come and lie to you that SHA (Social Health Authority) is working. They were told to tell us that roads are being built and education is running smoothly… And they accepted. I sat down with elders, and they told me to announce that the artistes should apologise,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua then criticized Kindiki, stating that he was in charge of the security docket when Gen Z protestors were killed by the police in 2024, implying his involvement in the matter.
“If they do not apologise, we should stop listening to their music. They should also not be invited to the entertainment joints where they go. If club owners call such a person, customers should shift to another place. Also, unfollow them on social media,” he added.
Kindiki meets Mt Kenya artists
Gachagua’s sentiments followed Kindiki’s meeting with various musicians and producers, primarily from the Mount Kenya region, days prior.
During the meeting, Kindiki emphasized the economic potential of the creative sector and the need for supportive policies and stronger protection of intellectual property rights to empower artists and foster sustainable growth.
Notable musicians in attendance included Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, alias Samidoh, and Ben Githae. Also present were Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a and her counterparts, John Njuguna Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Elijah Njoroge (Gatundu North), and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), who pledged their commitment to legislative efforts supporting the creative economy.
