A fierce political storm is brewing within the Mount Kenya region following a dramatic war of words between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, over a meeting between Kindiki and a group of local musicians and artists at his Karen residence.
The fallout has seen Kindiki accuse Gachagua of employing intimidation tactics and economic sabotage after the latter branded the musicians as traitors and called for their boycott. Kindiki, while addressing the press after the meeting, termed Gachagua’s remarks divisive and dangerous to national unity.
“Some individuals have become intolerable, issuing threats left, right and centre. Who do they think they are?” posed Kindiki. “This country is governed by law, not intimidation. Anyone crossing the line will be dealt with accordingly.”
In a sharp retort, Gachagua castigated the artists for what he termed as betrayal of the community. He urged Kenyans to stop consuming their music, boycott clubs hosting them, and unfollow them online. “They were summoned to Karen to praise phantom development. That’s betrayal,” he said.
The standoff—now dubbed “Battle of the Deputy Presidents”—has exposed simmering political undercurrents in the region, with leaders like National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah wading in.
Ichung’wah slammed Gachagua for inciting discord. “Those romanticising chaos and bloodshed do not deserve leadership,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya has condemned Gachagua’s comments, terming them an attack on creative freedom and an attempt to muzzle artistic expression for political mileage.
In other news, The political temperature in Juja shot up Sunday after area MP George Koimburi was allegedly abducted by unknown men moments after a church service.
Eyewitnesses say the suspects, posing as worshippers, bundled the legislator into a Subaru Forester with concealed number plates.
His wife, Ann Koimburi, who was injured during the scuffle, accused authorities of harassment. The DCI denied involvement, though confirming Koimburi is under probe over alleged land fraud and CDF mismanagement.
On matters sports, Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge has hinted that this year’s London Marathon could mark his final competitive appearance. The 40-year-old, who finished sixth, said he plans to run globally for causes like education and conservation. Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic champion and world record holder, described London as a movement and vowed to continue inspiring future generations.
Meanwhile here is the news making headlines on Opera News Today
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa faced a hostile crowd in Kabete, Kiambu County, during a weekend fundraiser attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Trouble started when Ichung’wa criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, drawing boos and chants from the crowd. His remarks seemed to strike a nerve with the locals, who remain loyal to Gachagua despite his impeachment.
Read more
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing growing criticism after launching a scathing attack on Mt. Kenya artists during a church service in Murang’a County on Sunday.
In his fiery speech, Gachagua accused a section of musicians from the region of being “sellouts” and “betrayers” for supporting leaders he termed as “enemies of the mountain.”
Read more
Former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has blamed his sacking on five UDA lawmakers from Kisii, accusing them of orchestrating his removal after he refused to grant them corrupt tenders for a Sh1.9 billion Kuwait-funded school construction project in Nyamira.
Speaking in Nyaribari Masaba, Machogu claimed the MPs Joash Nyamoko, Sylvanus Osoro, Alpha Miruka, Japheth Nyakundi, and Zaheer Chandah lobbied President Ruto for his dismissal and even proposed his replacement.
Read more
