By John Kariuki
The Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) has come out guns blazing against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, denouncing his recent remarks as dangerous, inflammatory, and a reckless abuse of political privilege.
Gachagua had reportedly urged bar owners to ostracize musicians from Central Kenya who recently visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Karen residence. MELTA, which represents hundreds of liquor traders across the country, has slammed the statement as “a shameful display of vindictive politics” that threatens the core of Kenya’s democratic and economic values.
“This kind of verbal tyranny has no place in a democratic society,” declared MELTA Chairman Frank Mbogo in a strongly worded statement issued Thursday. “To attempt to weaponize music and trade for political vengeance is not only undemocratic but borders on economic sabotage. We consider such utterances as an insult to our intelligence, our culture, and our constitutional freedoms.”
MELTA has called for an urgent multi-stakeholder meeting involving government, liquor traders, and entertainment professionals to chart a path toward sectoral reform, professionalism, and respect for constitutional liberties.
“We will not allow businesses to be held hostage by petty political vendettas. Our members are free to operate professionally, without coercion, intimidation, or toxic politicking,” the statement read.
MELTA concluded with a resounding appeal to the national leadership to champion unity, protect freedoms, and facilitate meaningful dialogue rather than resort to political intimidation and public threats masked as moral crusades.
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