A war of words has erupted between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, following Kindiki’s meeting with musicians and artists from the Mount Kenya region at his Karen residence.
The fallout from the event has spiraled into a fierce political exchange, with Kindiki accusing Gachagua of advancing authoritarian tactics and engaging in economic sabotage.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Kindiki criticized Gachagua’s call for a boycott of the musicians who attended the Karen gathering, warning that such actions were divisive and posed a threat to national unity.
“Some people have become arrogant, lecturing everyone—musicians, politicians. Who do they think they are?” Kindiki said. “You cannot dictate to citizens like that. If you come within shooting range, we will deal with you.”
Gachagua, in a public address earlier, had branded the artists as traitors, urging the public to stop listening to their music, boycott entertainment venues that host them, and unfollow them on social media.
“They are traitors to the community. Stop listening to their music. Don’t invite them to your clubs. If a club hosts them, customers should leave. And online, unfollow them,” Gachagua declared.
The altercation, dubbed “The Battle of the Deputy Presidents”, has spotlighted rising tensions in the Mount Kenya political landscape. Gachagua, referring to Kindiki as “Mr. Moneybags,” accused him of luring artists to endorse government programs, claiming they were being used to paint a false picture of development and good governance.
“We were saddened to see our artists betray the community. They were called to Karen and told to sing praises about roads, education, and the so-called SHA initiative,” Gachagua said.
Kindiki, a former professor of law, has since rallied to the defense of the musicians and artists who met him, assuring them of continued support from the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I will continue defending our musicians. Shouldn’t they enjoy the fruit of their talents like footballers do? Why should artists suffer?” he asked rhetorically.
Meanwhile, in Nyeri County, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah joined the fray, taking a direct swipe at Gachagua and accusing him of inciting division and glorifying chaos.
“It is sad that after serving in such a high office, one could talk of bloodshed as though it’s a Christmas party. Anyone anticipating doom and death for Kenyans does not deserve to lead,” Ichung’wah said.
