- Gachagua accused several Kikuyu musicians of switching sides for money.
- He said each artist received Ksh50,000 during a visit to DP Kindiki’s home.
- The DP defended the artists, saying they were trying to escape unfair treatment by music cartels.
- Gachagua called for fans to stop listening to the artists unless they apologise.
- The issue has exposed sharp political rifts in the Mt Kenya region.
While speaking to residents in Murang’a on Sunday, May 25, Rigathi Gachagua called out popular Kikuyu musicians for turning their backs on the community. According to him, they received money in exchange for siding with his political rivals.
Among those he mentioned were Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, DJ Fatxo, Jose Gatutura, Martin Wajanet, Sammy Irungu, and Ngaruiya Junior. He claimed they each pocketed Ksh50,000 during a visit to Deputy President Kindiki’s home in Karen on March 23.
“The elders have said clearly — we will no longer listen to their music. They must say sorry. If not, we stop following them online and avoid any club or place that hosts them,” Gachagua told the crowd.
Kindiki Responds: “Let Artists Work Freely”
But in a quick reaction, DP Kithure Kindiki stood firm in support of the musicians. He explained that the artists had come to him for help against unfair music cartels and being used for political gain. He said they want freedom to create without being pushed into singing for politicians.
“Those who have used artists to sing praises and divide people for small money are now angry,” Kindiki posted in a statement on Saturday, May 24.
This public fallout has exposed widening cracks in Mount Kenya politics. Music, once used to unite and rally support, has now become a line between loyalty and betrayal.
The situation has placed musicians in a tight spot, forcing them to pick between staying loyal to community leaders or fighting for their own creative freedom.
As things stand, fans are watching closely to see who apologises, who stays firm, and what this means for music in the region going forward.
