- Samidoh performed for Rigathi Gachagua and Martha Karua during the Seattle diaspora event
- The show began with the viral “Wantam” chant and a Mau Mau song performance
- Gachagua warned Mt Kenya artists against being used for political propaganda
- Urged musicians to stick to singing about love and life, not government projects
- Said artists should serve the people, not power
It was music, chants, and cheers as Mugithi icon Samidoh hit the stage in Seattle on Saturday, July 12. The night wasn’t just about rhythms and melodies; it also carried a political tone. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and PLP leader Martha Karua were the special guests, engaging Kenyans in the diaspora as part of their ongoing US tour.
The concert, co-hosted by Samidoh and Karumba Muthoni (aka Baby Tops), opened with the artist’s signature “Wantam” shout, a slogan Gachagua popularised in past speeches.
Samidoh performed a Mau Mau classic to introduce Gachagua, drawing wild cheers from the audience. The crowd responded with energy, singing along in unison as a show of both nostalgia and patriotism.
Gachagua later took the mic and hailed Samidoh for his dedication to culture and community, saying he had become a voice of the people through music.
But Gachagua wasn’t all smiles. In his signature humorous style, he aimed at Mt Kenya musicians who recently visited Interior CS Kithure Kindiki’s home, accusing them of being used to push a government agenda that, according to him, has left ordinary people suffering.
He insisted musicians should not be used to market political failures, especially when the same public is battling economic pain.
“The other day, they were pushing these musicians to sing and lie to Kenyans that SHA is working. That’s not your job,” Gachagua said.
“Your role is to entertain and give us peace in hard times — not to praise leaders who have failed us.”
The former DP warned artists not to act like government cheerleaders while their fans are struggling.
“You can’t be in the State House today and tomorrow, singing to people crying over the high cost of living. That’s betrayal,” he said.
Gachagua advised Mt Kenya singers to stay true to the music their fans love — songs about love, heartbreak, family, and everyday life, not political gimmicks.
“90 per cent of your songs are about relationships and broken marriages. Stick there,” he added.
“Don’t tell us roads are being built. If they were, we’d see them.”
In Seattle, it was clear: music remains powerful, but Gachagua doesn’t want it politicised, especially not at the expense of the same people it’s meant to uplift.
