Gachagua Calls For Boycott of Mt Kenya Musicians Who Visited Kindiki’s Home, Demands Apology Calling Them ‘Traitors’

Former Deputy President threatens economic sabotage against artists who met with current DP at Karen residence

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Mount Kenya musicians who recently visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence, branding them “traitors” and demanding they apologize to Kenyans or face a comprehensive boycott.

Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kihoya in Kangema Constituency, Murang’a County on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Gachagua escalated his rhetoric against the artists, threatening to organize economic sabotage that would effectively end their careers.

“We are very sad that some of our artistes have become traitors for the community. They were invited at Karen by Mr Moneybags and told to come and lie to you that SHA (Social Health Authority) is working,” Gachagua declared to the congregation.

The former Deputy President claimed he had consulted with community elders before making his public pronouncement, adding weight to his ultimatum.

“I sat down with elders and they told me to announce that the artistes should apologise,” he stated.

Gachagua outlined a multi-pronged approach to pressuring the musicians, targeting their income streams and public platforms:

“If they do not apologise, we should stop listening to their music. They should also not be invited to the entertainment joints where they go. If club owners call such a person, customers should shift to another place. Also, unfollow them on social media,” he instructed his supporters.

The threat extends beyond individual consumer choices to organized economic warfare against entertainment venues that would host the artists.

This represents an unprecedented escalation in Kenya’s political discourse, where a former high-ranking official is openly calling for coordinated economic sabotage.

Gachagua’s anger stems from what he perceives as the musicians’ willingness to endorse government policies during their meeting with Kindiki.

He accused them of being instructed to “tell us that roads are being built and education is running smoothly” in exchange for financial incentives.

The former Deputy President also made serious allegations against Kindiki personally, claiming his “hands were filled with blood” due to his role as Interior Cabinet Secretary during the 2024 Gen Z protests, when several demonstrators were killed by police.

The Karen meeting

The controversial meeting took place at Kindiki’s Karen residence, where the Deputy President hosted various musicians and producers primarily from the Mount Kenya region.

According to official reports, the discussion focused on the economic potential of the creative sector, supportive policies, and intellectual property rights protection.

Among the notable attendees were popular musicians Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu (Samidoh), Ben Githae, Karangu Muraya, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, and Ngaruiya Junior. Several MPs from the region also attended, pledging legislative support for the creative economy.

Backlash

Samidoh and DP Kindiki during the meeting with Mt Kenya musicians.

The political fallout has been swift and brutal for the musicians involved. Social media platforms erupted with criticism from fans who accused the artists of “selling out” and abandoning their supporters for political gain.

Samidoh, one of Kenya’s most popular Mugithi artists, issued an emotional public apology acknowledging the depth of anger directed at him.

“I am asking for your forgiveness,” he posted on social media.

“I have seen your anger over my visit to Karen. I’ve received thousands of messages, most of them filled with insults and hate, and it has left me deeply hurt.”

The artist revealed the personal toll of the controversy, “I am truly struggling, and this situation has pushed me towards depression.”

He explained that he believed the meeting was meant to promote Mount Kenya musicians rather than serve as a political endorsement.

Jose Gatutura also defended his attendance, emphasizing his role as an entertainer who serves fans across political divides.

“I have fans from both sides, and I’m supposed to entertain all without being choosy,” he wrote, clarifying that artists depend on gigs to make a living and that the meeting focused on government support for the music industry.

Unprecedented political weaponization

Gachagua’s call for boycotts represents a concerning development in Kenya’s political landscape, where entertainment and arts are being weaponized for political purposes.

The threat to organize consumer boycotts and pressure entertainment venues creates a dangerous precedent that could stifle artistic freedom and economic opportunities for creatives.

The controversy highlights the delicate position of artists in Kenya’s polarized political environment, where any engagement with political figures can be interpreted as endorsement and lead to severe backlash from opposing camps.

As this story continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether the musicians will issue the apologies Gachagua demands or whether they will resist what many view as political intimidation of the creative community.

The outcome could have lasting implications for the relationship between politics and entertainment in Kenya.