A political firestorm erupted today following remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who allegedly called for a boycott of Kenyan artists unless they publicly supported him.

The comments, made from the pulpit of a church, have drawn sharp criticism from the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK), which condemned the statement as “regressive” and a direct affront to Kenya’s constitutional freedoms.

In a strongly worded press release, DCCAK Chairman Bob Ndolo accused Gachagua of attempting to muzzle artistic voices and weaponize 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,” the statement read.

DCCAK emphasized that artistic expression is enshrined under Articles 33 and 40 of the Constitution of Kenya, and that these rights are “neither conditional nor negotiable.”

The Association rallied all 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.

“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 concluded.

As tensions rise, DCCAK’s position has ignited a national conversation about artistic freedom, political influence, and the role of culture in democracy.Kenya remains a democracy, not a dictatorship of one man’s ego.