Deputy President abandons usual calm demeanor in fiery confrontation with predecessor over musician boycott calls
KIAMBU – In an unprecedented display of public anger, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday launched a scathing attack against his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, telling him to respect boundaries and cease what he termed “backwards politics” in the Mount Kenya region.
The normally composed law professor shocked attendees at an economic empowerment program for small-scale traders’ SACCOs in Kabete, Kiambu County, when he abandoned his characteristic diplomatic tone to deliver a stern rebuke that left no room for misinterpretation.
“Please stop lecturing us; we are not your children. Do not make noise for me. Do not bring that kind of backwards politics here in Central,” Kindiki declared amid cheers from the crowd, his voice carrying an edge rarely heard in his public addresses.
The heated exchange stems from Gachagua’s explosive allegations earlier on Sunday in Murang’a, where the former DP accused Kindiki of bribing Mount Kenya musicians to attend an event at his Karen residence.
Gachagua claimed each artist received Ksh50,000 and called for a community boycott of musicians including Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior.
Battle lines drawn
Gachagua’s inflammatory remarks went beyond mere accusations, as he urged Mount Kenya residents to unfollow the musicians on social media and demanded entertainment venues stop hosting them.
He claimed regional elders had given the artists an ultimatum to apologize or face consequences.
“They went and were given Ksh50,000. The people they go to entertain are tired of the administration, yet they go and sit down with people who are still frustrating us,” Gachagua had said, painting the meeting as a betrayal of community interests.
Kindiki’s response was swift and unforgiving. Defending his actions as genuine goodwill rather than political manipulation, the DP questioned Gachagua’s moral authority to make such accusations.
“For you, when you were a leader, whom did you bribe or take your wealth to? The little that we give is not because we have excess wealth; it is out of good-heartedness,” Kindiki fired back, his frustration palpable.
The confrontation revealed deeper tensions as Kindiki reminded attendees of his unwavering loyalty to the current administration, contrasting it with what he implied was Gachagua’s opportunism.
He specifically referenced his role in defending President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court during the 2007 post-election violence proceedings.
“Is there anyone who fought for this government more than me? You recall that before Uhuru and Ruto even came together, I was the one who was there struggling for them at the Hague,” Kindiki stated, suggesting his commitment predated many current political alliances.
The public spat between the current and former deputy presidents signals a deepening rift within Mount Kenya’s political landscape.
Kindiki’s uncharacteristic outburst suggests mounting pressure and frustration with what the government views as destabilizing rhetoric from Gachagua’s camp.
The controversy over musician payments, while seemingly minor, has become a proxy battle for broader questions of political loyalty and community representation in the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua’s call for boycotts represents an attempt to reassert influence over regional cultural and political narratives following his impeachment and replacement.
Community divided
The incident has divided opinion within the Mount Kenya community, with some supporting Gachagua’s stance against what they perceive as government co-optation of cultural figures, while others view Kindiki’s engagement with artists as legitimate community outreach.
The targeted musicians now find themselves caught in a political crossfire that could significantly impact their careers and community standing, highlighting the increasingly polarized nature of Mount Kenya politics.
As both leaders dig in their positions, the confrontation appears likely to escalate, with potential implications for political stability in Kenya’s most populous voting bloc ahead of 2027.
