President William Ruto’s economic advisor Moses Kuria has sharply rebuked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for urging Mt Kenya residents to boycott musicians who visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
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Gachagua’s Boycott Remarks Stir Political Storm
While speaking at a church event in Kangema, Murang’a County, Gachagua accused Mt Kenya musicians of betraying their community. He urged residents to stop supporting artists like Samidoh, Jose Gatutura, Ben Githae, and Karangu Muraya who had recently visited DP Kindiki’s residence in Karen.
“They were bribed with KSh 50,000… Unfollow them, boycott clubs that host them, and stop playing their music,” Gachagua declared, adding that the artists should issue a public apology for what he called “community betrayal.”
Kuria Terms Gachagua’s Actions as “Dictatorial”
In a strongly-worded response, Moses Kuria dismissed Gachagua’s statements as “dictatorial tendencies.” He questioned the DP’s authority to determine who Mt Kenya residents should support or listen to, stating:
“All musicians not singing praise songs are now enemies of the community? What next–burning their music? Gachagua is showing classic signs of dictatorship.”
Kuria’s remarks have reignited debate over deepening divisions in Mt Kenya politics and growing discontent with Gachagua’s leadership style.
MCSK Warns Clubs Against Compliance
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has also weighed in. CEO Ezekiel Mutua warned entertainment joints against acting on Gachagua’s boycott call. He noted that venues found to discriminate against artists would lose access to MCSK-licensed music.
“MCSK will not tolerate any economic sabotage targeting our members. Music venues that comply with such directives will face license revocation,” Mutua stated.
Artists at the Center of the Storm
The musicians named—Samidoh, Gatutura, Ben Githae, and Karangu Muraya—are yet to issue public responses. However, their presence at DP Kindiki’s event was interpreted as a sign of shifting allegiances within the Mt Kenya region, which is crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This latest clash reflects a larger battle for control of Mt Kenya’s political direction, with factions aligning either with Gachagua or Kindiki in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes regional rivalry.
As political temperatures rise in Mt Kenya, leaders like Kuria and Gachagua are likely to face increasing pressure to tone down rhetoric and unify the region. Meanwhile, artists caught in the crossfire are left to navigate a politically charged environment that threatens their careers and livelihoods.
For more updates on Kenyan politics, visit our Kenya Politics section.
