Stop lecturing us! Kindiki tells off Gachagua over meeting artists

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said that his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, should stop lecturing everyone after he called for a boycott of Mt Kenya artists he hosted in Karen.

Speaking on Sunday, Kindiki said Gachagua must be respectful, insisting that respect is also earned.

“How can you lecture us? Are you God? Who are you? You lecture musicians, politicians and everyone, everywhere. Don’t lecture us, we are not your kids, go give lectures in your house," he said.

“You must respect us because respect is earned and is two-way. When you look at me, am I to be scared of people? Let's respect each other."

The DP spoke on Sunday during an Empowerment event for small-scale traders at Ndurarua Primary School grounds in Kabete Constituency, Kiambu County.

He went on to say that the artists Gachagua was complaining about were only 50, and he now plans to host ten times the number.

Kindiki noted that as a leader and current holder of the office of DP, he was entitled to meet everyone, including musicians and creatives from any part of the country.

“Musicians who came were only 50. I will organise another meeting of 500 musicians to come to Karen and see what you will do. We are keen to assist them as they have been exploited by cartels for a long time,” he said.

You ordered the people not to listen to their songs, as who? I am a man of respect, but if you come within shooting range, we will deal with you.”

The Deputy President slammed Gachagua for perpetrating divisive and regressive rhetoric that is undermining the country's development and advancement.

He said it is not right for his predecessor to keep dragging Mt Kenya region into murky, pointless politics and lecturing everyone for not toeing his line.

On Sunday, Gachagua called on musicians from the Mt Kenya region who visited Kindiki at his Karen residence to apologise to the community.

Speaking at AIPCA Kihoya in Murang’a County, Gachagua stated that these artists are traitors to the community.

“Our artists and musicians have become traitors to the community. They were told to come and lie to you that SHA is working, roads are being built, and the education sector is doing well,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua noted that after discussions with Mt Kenya elders, they demand that the artists apologise to the community.

The former DP said that should they fail to, the community should stop listening to their music and entertainment joints should stop inviting them to perform.

He further directed the people to unfollow those who will not apologise on social media platforms.

“I sat with elders yesterday and they told me to announce that those artists must apologise and if they don’t, we will stop listening to their music," he said.

On Friday, the DP met leading musicians from Mt. Kenya at the Official Residence in Karen for consultations and to find ways to solve perennial issues, including low earnings and exploitation in the sector. 

"The government will promote talents among Kenyans and safeguard those who are talented against the cartels out to exploit them. We will ensure that musicians get returns that are commensurate with their talent and effort," he indicated.