Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advised popular Mugithi artist Samuel Muchoki, better known as Samidoh, to focus on his music career and avoid getting involved in political matters currently taking place in the country.
Speaking at an event in the United States on Saturday, Gachagua cautioned Samidoh and other artists from the Mount Kenya region against letting politicians use their platforms to promote propaganda and partisan agendas.
In his address to the diaspora audience in Seattle, the ex-DP referenced a May incident in which Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hosted several Mt. Kenya musicians, including one Samidoh, at his Karen residence in Nairobi.
Gachagua claimed the artists were encouraged to promote the Kenya Kwanza government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative through their music — even as many Kenyans have reported that, despite registering with SHA, they still face high costs for medical services not covered by the scheme.
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“The other day, I saw them in Karen, being told to go and sing to Kenyans that SHA is working. I want to tell you, stick to music. Your work is to entertain us so that we can go to sleep happy. Don’t let politicians influence you,” Gachagua said in a message to the musicians.
He continued, “Samidoh, don’t fall into that trap. Kenyans are too smart to be cheated by anybody. Even musicians cannot cheat them; they are past that level.”
Gachagua, now leader of the opposition Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) after impeachment, had previously urged Kenyans to unfollow the said artists, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae and Jose Gatutura in the list, alleging that they had betrayed their fans by supporting President William Ruto’s administration.
His recent remarks come as Samidoh is facing professional challenges at home. The National Police Service (NPS) recently ordered his arrest for alleged desertion after he failed to report to his new posting at the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil since May 27, 2025. The NPS has also suspended his salary, citing his absence from work for over 10 days.
Samidoh, currently on a music tour in the US also, has not yet responded publicly to these reports.
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