The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) has called out the former Deputy President over calls to have some artists from the Mt Kenya region boycotted for meeting his successor, Kithure Kindiki.
DCCAK condemned Gachagua’s remarks, terming them regressive and a direct affront to Kenya’s constitutional freedoms.
Through Chairman Bob Ndolo, the association accused the former DP of attempting to silence artistic voices and weaponise culture for political gain
“It is profoundly unfortunate that at a time when Kenya is working to dismantle barriers that have long denied our artists their rightful income, a former Deputy President would threaten private entertainment businesses unless they deny artists the right to earn a living,” Ndolo said.
He emphasised that artistic expression is enshrined under Articles 33 and 40 of the Constitution of Kenya, and that these rights are not conditional or negotiable.
DCCAK urged artists to continue creating boldly, speaking truth to power, uplifting communities, and educating the public on key issues like the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Housing, and the Hustler Fund.
Ndolo insisted that Kenyan artists will not bow to what Gachagua wants because their talents are given by him, but by God.
“To Rigathi Gachagua, we say this: Kenyan artists are not your subjects. They will not bow to your tune, nor will they seek your permission to speak. Their talent is God-given, not Gachagua-granted.”
The statement is in response to Gachagua’s calls to have musicians from the Mt Kenya region who visited his successor, Kithure Kindiki, at his Karen residence 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.
