A day after hosting various musicians and other creatives at Karen residence, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed the government’s action against cartels in the sector.
In a statement on Saturday, May 24, 2025, the second in command revealed that musicians had reached out for government intervention in dealing with the deep-rooted issue of cartels in the creative space.
He noted that the creatives confided to the government that cartels had made the sector less profitable, especially to those who do the heavy lifting.
“Musicians and others in the creative space are seeking government intervention to ensure exploitative cartels are removed and their talent is more rewarding,” Kindiki’s statement read in part.
Songs for politicians
At the same time, Kindiki indicated that some political leaders were among those exploiting creatives. The DP noted that for the longest time, some politicians have used musicians to compose personal praise songs but ended up pocketing pennies.
Through the government’s intervention, Kindiki announced that such schemes would come to an end.
“Leaders who have misused musicians for the composition of personal praise songs or the production of inciteful and divisive music in exchange for small money tokens are bound to be annoyed by this decision,” he confirmed.
Meeting with creatives
His strong statement came a day after he hosted a meeting with various musicians and producers, primarily from the Mount Kenya region.
During the meeting, Kindiki underscored the economic potential of the creative sector, highlighting the need for supportive policies and stronger protection of intellectual property rights to empower artists and foster sustainable growth.
Among the notable musicians who attended were Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, alias Samidoh and Ben Githae.
Had an early morning engagement with musicians and producers on how, as government, we can support their work and the industry as a whole,” Kindiki said.
In attendance were Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a and her counterparts, John Njuguna Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Elijah Njoroge (Gatundu North), and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), who pledged their commitment to legislative efforts that back the creative economy.
