Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited a firestorm of controversy by publicly urging residents of Mount Kenya region to boycott a group of prominent musicians, including Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, and others, for visiting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki last week.
While speaking at a rally in Murang’a on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Gachagua accused the artists of betraying their community by supporting political figures he claims have worked against the region’s interests.
The musicians, who also include Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior, visited Kindiki at his Karen home on Friday, May 23.
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Gachagua alleged that they were paid Ksh50,000 each for attendance, a claim that has fuelled outrage and debate amongst supporters of his new DCP Democracy for the Citizens Party.
“They went and were given Ksh50,000 to sit with people who frustrate us,” the impeached ex-DP said. “Elders have decided we should stop listening to their songs, unfollow them on social media, and avoid entertainment joints that host them unless they apologise to the community.”
His call for a boycott extends to venues, urging patrons to shun establishments that continue to book the artists.
Some people are unhappy with Gachagua’s words. They say he is trying to stop the musicians from sharing their own views. “This is an attack on free expression,” said Wanjiku Mwangi, a human rights lawyer from Nairobi. “Musicians, like all citizens, have the right to their political views.”
Others believe the boycott is a political move to energise his base in Mount Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kindiki, in a May 24 statement on X, said the musicians visited to discuss government support for the creative industry, particularly to combat exploitative cartels and protect artists from being coerced into producing politically charged music for minimal pay.
Most of the musicians named had not yet responded to Gachagua’s comments at the time of this report.
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