Gachagua to Mt Kenya: Shun artists who met Kindiki

By Newsflash Writer

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern call to Mt Kenya residents, urging them to boycott performances by local artists who attended a recent meeting with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence.

The meeting, held on Friday, May 23, brought together several prominent musicians from the region, including Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, gospel artist Karangu Muraya, Ngaruiya Junior, Sammy Irungu, Wanja Asali, Ben Githae, and Jose Gatutura, among others.

Gachagua, speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kihoya in Kangema Constituency, Murang’a County on Sunday, May 25, accused the artists of betraying the Mt Kenya community by aligning themselves with Kindiki, who is seen as a political rival within the region’s unfolding succession dynamics.

“Shun all those artists for betraying the community. Don’t attend their gigs in the joints they are invited to perform. Boycott those joints and attend elsewhere. Unfollow them in their social media pages,” charged Gachagua.

He also said that they should apologize to the community.

“They should apologize!” he said.

Artists under fire

The remarks have stirred intense debate across Mt Kenya, especially on social media, where fans of the artists have expressed mixed reactions.

While some have supported Gachagua’s call, others have criticized what they describe as an attempt to politicize the entertainment industry. Several artists have already begun facing backlash online, with some enduring personal attacks and insults.

The controversy has pushed some of the artists to issue public apologies. Among them is 90K Ka Msoh, who posted a video pleading for forgiveness from his fan base.

“Dear my fans, you are the ones who have built my musical journey so far. Sometimes, human errs. I erred. I really apologise for my mistake,” said Ka Msoh in the recorded video message.

However, not all the musicians have taken a conciliatory tone. Gospel singer Sammy Irungu remained defiant, refusing to issue an apology and instead challenging his critics.

“Why should I apologise? Did we tell you to vote for Ruto in 2022?” Irungu fired back in a social media exchange with one of his fans.

Gachagua’s criticism comes at a time when political tension continues to grow within the Mt Kenya region, as leaders and factions jostle for influence and control ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kindiki’s recent overtures to musicians and other opinion leaders are widely interpreted as an effort to strengthen his standing within the region, possibly signaling future political ambitions.

DCP to vet candidates rigorously

Gachagua also used the church platform to speak about the future of his Democracy for the Citizens’ Party (DCP), stating that the party would implement stringent measures to ensure quality leadership among its candidates.

He criticized what he described as a longstanding problem of poor leadership in the region, which he blamed for the community’s political and economic frustrations.

“The problem we face as a community is lack of quality leadership. We shall have debates for our nominees and listen to their vision to ensure that they have great understanding of Parliamentary businesses and the needs of the people,” he said.

The former DP emphasized that the DCP will not be a party of political opportunists but will instead be anchored on principles and strategic vision.

Political analysts have described Gachagua’s remarks as both a show of strength and a warning to those seen as undermining his influence.

“Gachagua is drawing a line between his supporters and those he views as defectors or traitors. The public call for a boycott of artists is part of a broader strategy to isolate any alternative centers of power within the region,” says Njeri Machira, a Nyandarua-based political analyst.

However, another analyst, Jane Mugo, warnes that politicizing cultural and entertainment figures could create long-term divisions.

“While politics is deeply ingrained in Mt Kenya’s social fabric, targeting musicians who may not necessarily be political actors could backfire. People relate to artists on a personal level, and forcing them into political corners may alienate fans and escalate tensions,” she observed.