Deputy President Kithure Kindiki shocked the nation with a rare outburst aimed at his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, after explosive allegations that Kindiki bribed Kikuyu musicians to attend a recent event.
The fiery exchange, now turning into a full-blown political storm, threatens to divide the Mt Kenya region further. As calls for a boycott of popular Mt Kenya musicians grow louder, Kindiki hit back, calling the claims baseless and accusing Gachagua of fueling tribal and political intolerance.
The feud exposes deep cracks in the ruling coalition and the struggle for control in Central Kenya.
Kindiki Rips Into Gachagua Over Attacks on Mt Kenya Musicians
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after claims that he paid off Kikuyu musicians for political loyalty.
The tension erupted after Gachagua, speaking in Murang’a, accused Kindiki of bribing popular artists with Ksh50,000 each during a meeting at the DP’s Karen residence. Among the artists targeted were Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior.
Gachagua called on Mt Kenya residents to unfollow and boycott the musicians, accusing them of betraying the community. He claimed local elders demanded an apology from the musicians or warned of consequences.
But Kindiki, known for his usually calm and composed nature, shocked supporters during an economic empowerment event in Kabete on May 25, where he publicly lashed out at Gachagua.
“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 fired, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
He dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused Gachagua of promoting division in the region. “The little that we give is not because we have excess wealth. It is out of good-heartedness,” Kindiki said.
Mt Kenya Musicians Face Growing Political Pressure
The fallout from this political drama has placed Mt Kenya musicians at the center of a dangerous storm. The entertainers, some of whom have long aligned themselves with political figures, now face growing hostility from Gachagua’s supporters.
Gachagua’s call for boycotts didn’t end with social media unfollows. He urged entertainment joints to stop inviting these musicians for performances. If they do, he said, patrons should also avoid those venues.
This harsh rhetoric could damage the livelihoods of artists who rely heavily on local gigs and fan support. Several of the musicians mentioned by name have not responded publicly, though fans online have already begun debating loyalty, freedom of expression, and the place of artists in political discourse.
Observers say Gachagua’s actions are aimed at reasserting influence in Mt Kenya following his falling out with President William Ruto and the emergence of new power brokers like Kindiki.
Kindiki Draws the Line in Central Kenya Power Struggle
In his counterattack, Kindiki accused Gachagua of hypocrisy and political bullying. The DP pointed out that he had fought hard for both the current and previous administrations—struggles, he said, that Gachagua had benefitted from without acknowledgment.
The feud is part of a larger battle for political dominance in Mt Kenya, a region key to Kenya’s power equation. While Gachagua attempts to position himself as the community’s sole spokesman, Kindiki is challenging that narrative by presenting a more modern, issue-based style of leadership.
“This country needs leaders who unite, not divide. Who empower, not intimidate,” Kindiki told the crowd, insisting that Central Kenya should not be dragged into petty rivalries.
His remarks were a clear message: Mt Kenya’s leadership cannot be held hostage by outdated tribal politics.
