NAIROBI, Kenya — Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what he perceives as an attempt to undermine a segment of Kenyan musicians.
In a statement issued on May 25, 2025, Itumbi described Gachagua’s remarks concerning musicians as both dangerous and dictatorial.
“That Mr. Gachagua would stand at a church altar and shamelessly urge Kenyans to unfollow musicians and instruct event venues to deny them work-simply because they supported reason, truth, and government programmes meant to uplift the industry is not just offensive. It is tyrannical,” stated Itumbi.
He further added, “Let us be clear: Kenyan musicians are not your personal choir, Mr. Gachagua. You do not own their voices, their choices, or their convictions. If you want to reinvent yourself as a dictator-in-waiting, that is your political burden. But you will not-you shall not use artists as the soundtrack to your spiral into authoritarianism.”
According to Itumbi, Kenyan musicians are not mere pawns in Gachagua’s contentious political maneuvering.
He asserted that these artists are entrepreneurs, innovators, and custodians of culture whose talents are divinely bestowed, not granted by Gachagua.
The head of Presidential Special Projects highlighted that, for the first time in Kenya’s history, the creative sector benefits from a dedicated State Department, structured policy support, and government initiatives designed to protect artists’ rights, enhance their earnings, and integrate the creative economy into national development.
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“Your statements are not just insulting. They are economically reckless, politically desperate, and spiritually dishonest,” Itumbi declared.
He also referenced a past statement by Gachagua, adding, “Let’s not forget-it was you who once said, ‘When people cannot speak, let them sing.’ Now that the songs don’t flatter you, you reach for the mute button? That’s not leadership. That’s hypocrisy-loud, proud, and unmasked.”
Simultaneously, Itumbi encouraged Kenyan musicians to remain undeterred by Gachagua’s remarks.
“Do not bow. Do not flinch. Your gift is your power, and your platform is your purpose,” he urged.
Additionally, he called upon promoters and event organizers not to yield to political blackmail and to stand in solidarity with the artists.
