Kindiki fends off criticism by Gachagua over his support for Kikuyu musicians
DP says he would not be intimidated or swayed from his mission to uplift the creative economy
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come out strongly in defence of his recent engagement with a section of Kikuyu musicians, saying the meeting was part of a broader government initiative to support and empower the creative industry.
He was responding to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who asked his supporters to boycott the musicians who were recently invited to the Kindiki’s Karen home in Nairobi .
Gachagua also told locals not to patronise entertainment joints where those artistes are invited, prompting Kindiki to tell the former DP to stop lecturing those in government.
“Who are you to lecture us? You have been lecturing everybody; government leaders, musicians, politicians, everybody…who do you think you are?” Kindiki fumed.
Speaking during an empowerment programme in Kabete constituency, Kiambu County, the DP maintained that musicians, both secular and gospel, had approached him seeking government intervention over growing infiltration of the industry by brokers and cartels who exploit artists.
“Music is a business like any other and deserves protection and support from the government. We cannot ignore the struggles of our artists who are a vital part of our social and economic fabric,” Kindiki asserted.
The Deputy President emphasised that the music industry employs millions of Kenyans and plays a critical role in national development and pledged continued engaging with artistes from across the country to hear their concerns and help shape policies that will protect and grow the sector.
In a firm rebuttal to opposition critics led by Gachagua who have questioned his recent meetings with artists, Kindiki stated he would not be intimidated or swayed from his mission to uplift the creative economy.
“I will not be cowed. In fact I plan to meet at least 500 musicians in the coming days. This is not about politics, it’s about changing lives,” he declared, referring to his earlier meeting with 50 musicians from the Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki also used the opportunity to call out politicians who exploit musicians during political campaigns instead of supporting them sustainably.
“Before musicians are paraded to sing songs before politicians, they must be empowered to feed their families and better their lives,” he said.
While apparently directing his ire at the man from Wamunyoro village in Nyeri County, the Deputy President added: “Go lecture people at your home and stop interfering with artists. We don’t want mediocre politicking. Our people want the lowly lifted to achieve their dreams. Stop lecturing us. We are not your children.”
The remarks come amid growing calls for structured government support for the creative sector, including fair compensation, copyright enforcement, and protection from exploitation.
Present at the Kabete event were a host of Members of Parliament led by area MP Githua Wamacukuru, Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika), Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South), Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North) and Anne Wamuratha (Kiambu women Rep), among others.
At one point, Ichung’wah was shouted down by the crowd in front of Kindiki when he started attacking Gachagua. He had to hange tact and redirect his speech at the empowerment programme.
The politicians, who defended the government against attacks by opposition politicians, said they will continue to align themselves with President William Ruto’s administration for social-economic development in their respective regions.
