Ngunjiri Wambugu Warns of Rigathi Gachagua’s Rising Dictatorship after Attacks on Kikuyu Artistes
- Ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachagua accused Kikuyu artists of betraying their community by supporting the government in exchange for handouts
- Gachagua’s remarks come amid a growing rift with DP Kithure Kindiki, who defended artistes’ calls for better treatment and condemned their past exploitation for political gain
- Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu criticised Gachagua’s remarks, claiming they reflect rising authoritarianism and an attempt to control political choices and businesses
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has launched a blistering attack on a section of Kikuyu musicians, accusing them of betraying their community for aligning with President William Ruto’s administration.
Source: Facebook
In a fiery speech, Gachagua said the artistes had turned into traitors by praising the government in exchange for small tokens, despite the hardships facing Mt. Kenya residents.
What did Gachagua tell Kikuyu artistes, Ruto's MPs?
Gachagua stated that the artistes must apologise for their actions and warned that if they failed to do so, they would face a widespread boycott — both online and in entertainment venues.
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Further, he urged the public to stop listening to their music, walk out of clubs where they perform, and unfollow them on social media.
Gachagua further extended his attack to MPs aligned with Ruto, urging voters to reject any legislator who “dines with the enemy” and supports policies that he claims hurt Mt Kenya communities.
"I want us to agree. All those MPs who align themselves with the president disrespect us by bringing rice and beans, and then join him in actions that hurt our people; we must send them away," he said.
Gachagua’s comments come as tensions against the Kenya Kwanza administration continue to escalate.
His rivalry with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki—who has emerged as a key power broker since replacing him, appears to be fueling his increasingly confrontational rhetoric.
Earlier, Kindiki stated that musicians and other creatives were appealing to the government to dismantle exploitative industry cartels and help make their talents more profitable.
“Those who misused artists for praise songs and divisive music in return for handouts will be upset by this move,” Kindiki noted, in what many interpreted as a veiled jab at Gachagua.
Wambugu Ngunjiri hits back at Gachagua
Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu also weighed in, accusing Gachagua of drifting towards authoritarianism.
“I warned you all—he wants to be a dictator. Now he will be telling people who to vote for, how to run their businesses, and even what music they can listen to,” Wambugu posted online.
Source: Facebook
Meanwhile, as political temperatures rise in the region, especially following the launch of Democracy for Citizens Party, the battle lines between Gachagua, Kindiki, and their respective camps continue to sharpen, with musicians and entertainers now finding themselves caught in the crossfire.
Did Samidoh praise Rigathi Gachagua?
Meanwhile, days after meeting Kindiki, popular Mugithi singer Samidoh sparked a buzz with a politically charged performance in Rongai.
Midway through his set, Samidoh paused to freestyle a verse praising Gachagua, highlighting his resilience, courage, and leadership. He expressed strong support for Gachagua despite criticism from others.
The tribute, delivered in Kikuyu, ignited cheers from the crowd and added an unexpected political twist to the musical event.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
