Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi has called out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for asking Mt Kenya residents to boycott musicians who held a meeting with his successor, Kithure Kindiki.
According to Itumbi, Gachagua remarks are reckless, desperate and dishonest
“Your statements are not just insulting. They are economically reckless, politically desperate, and spiritually dishonest.
“Let's not forget-it was you who once said, "When people cannot speak, let them sing." Now that the songs don't flatter you, you reach for the mute button?” he posed.
He insisted that what Gachagua displayed is not leadership is nothing short of being hypocritical.
“You can rant. You can shout. But you cannot erase an industry simply because it refuses to clap for you. You don't get to blacklist talent because it doesn't worship at your altar.”
Itumbi urged musicians not to succumb to such pressure, insisting that their gift is their power, and their platform is their purpose.
He also called on promoters, platforms, and event organizers not to aid political blackmail.
“Stand with the artist. Stand with freedom.”
Itumbi said that musicians are not the ex-DP's personal choir and he does not own their voices, choices or convictions.
"Kenyan musicians are not pawns in your bitter games. They are entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural custodians whose talents are God-given-not-Gachagua-sanctioned."
His remarks come after Gachagua had on Sunday asked the musicians who visited Kindiki at his Karen residence to apologise to the community. He said this was agreed after discussions with Mt Kenya elders.
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.
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.
