Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has defended Mt Kenya artistes who recently met Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, pushing back against harsh criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Monday, May 26, 2025, Mwaura said artistes play a crucial role in Kenya’s creative economy and should not be targeted for participating in national dialogue.
He emphasized that the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) includes creative industries as a key pillar of development.
“Artistes are a key part of the creative economy, which is one of the five pillars of the BETA Plan. The government shall continue to have dialogue and support artists from all regions of this great Republic without fear or favour,” he stated on his x platform.
Mwaura further cautioned against politicising youth talent, adding, “Progressive leaders don’t discourage youth talent.”
Gachagua accuses artisets
His remarks follow Gachagua’s comments during a church service on Sunday, May 25, at AIPCA Kihoya in Murang’a County. The former DP accused a group of musicians from the Mt Kenya region of betraying their community by meeting Kindiki at his Karen residence on Friday, May 24, 2025.
He alleged that the artistes were coached to promote government programmes such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), road development, and education reforms.
“Our artistes and musicians have become traitors to the community. They were told to lie to you that SHA is working, roads are being built, and the education sector is doing well,” Gachagua claimed.
He said elders had resolved that the musicians must issue a public apology or face social and commercial boycotts. Gachagua even urged fans to unfollow the artistes and called on event organisers to blacklist them from bookings.
DCCAK and Kindiki respond
In response, the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) condemned Gachagua’s remarks as regressive and a threat to artistic freedom, citing protections under Articles 33 and 40 of the Constitution.
Deputy President Kindiki also weighed in, stating the meeting was part of wider efforts to strengthen the creative sector.
“The creative industry is a multibillion-shilling business, and regular engagement with artists and stakeholders is necessary to enhance growth and protect intellectual property,” he posted on X.
Prominent artistes in attendance included Mugithi singer Samidoh and gospel singer Ben Githae.
