Members of the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) have strongly condemned remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on musicians from Mount Kenya region.
This was after Gachagua, who was speaking during a rally in Murang’a on Sunday, May 25, 2025 urged residents to reject artists who do not publicly support him.
At the same time, the former DP accused the artists from Mt Kenya of betraying their community for their selfish gains and promoting political figures that he claims have worked against the region’s interests.
“These statements are not only regressive, but they are also a direct affront to the constitutional freedoms of expression, creativity, and enterprise,” said (DCCAK) Chairman Bob Ndolo in a press statement.
“Such pronouncements reek of dictatorship, intolerance, and a disturbing sense of entitlement to control thought and culture in Kenya and beyond,” he added.
The Association continued to explain that art is not a weapon to be wielded by political interest, it is instead, a mirror through which society sees itself.
In addition, the content creators reminded the public that Kenya’s Constitution preserves freedom of expression, association, and artistic creativity under Articles 31, 32, 33, and 40, stating that these freedoms are “neither conditional nor negotiable.”
The Association also issued a rallying call to artists across the country to stand firm in their right to express themselves freely, including supporting President William Ruto’s flagship projects.
“We urge all artists to continue composing boldly, speaking truth to power, uplifting communities through creativity, and educating the public on critical national programs,” Ndolo said.
In a pointed rebuke to Gachagua, DCCAK declared, “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. Kenya is a democracy, not a dictatorship of one man’s ego.”
Gachagua’s remarks emerged after musicians from Mt Kenya region held a meeting with the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his official residence in Karen.
Written by Julie Wangui
