Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has fired a fierce response to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for Kenyans to boycott musicians who visited him in Karen, saying he will instead invite 500 more artistes to challenge the move.
Speaking with unmistakable fury during an economic empowerment programme for small-scale traders and SACCOs held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Kabete Constituency, Kiambu County, Kindiki warned that Gachagua was playing with fire by responding to his remarks in such a provocative manner and cautioned him against speaking recklessly.
“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 said.
Kindiki told Gachagua that he may have struck a wrong chord by urging Kenyans to boycott singers who visited his home, stating that while he once believed Gachagua was a humble and courteous man, he might be shocked to discover otherwise.
According to Kindiki, Gachagua had directly insulted and disrespected him by making such a statement, and he should not be surprised if retaliation follows because he is the one who ignited the whole 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 then questioned on what authority Gachagua was commanding Kenyans to boycott singers, asserting that he lacks the capacity to issue such orders.
He expressed disbelief that Gachagua could fixate on such trivial matters, insisting that, unlike him, he is occupied with critical issues affecting Mt Kenya, 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 about constantly mentioning him and condemned the former Mathira MP, asserting that these are not his children for whom he can freely hurl 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 asks musicians to seek 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 genuine apology, warning that failure to do so would invite harsher repercussions.
He directly warned that should they refuse to apologise, Kenyans ought to unfollow them and cease inviting them to clubs.
“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 lambasted Kindiki, saying that he was at the helm of the security docket when Gen Z protestors were killed by the police in 2024, hence the reason why his hands were filled with blood.
“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 artistes
Gachagua’s sentiments came days after Kindiki hosted a meeting with various musicians and producers, primarily from the Mount Kenya region.
During the meeting, Kindiki underscored the economic potential of the creative sector, highlighting the need for supportive policies and stronger protection of intellectual property rights to empower artists and foster sustainable growth.
Among the notable musicians who attended were Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, alias Samidoh and Ben Githae.
In attendance 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 that back the creative economy.
