The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has stated that the artistes hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki were paid to betray the Mt Kenya community.
Speaking to Kameme FM on June 16, 2025, Gachagua stated that the artists were chosen to sway public opinion.
“Those artists who were invited there were deliberately selected to go and try to change the minds of the Mt Kenya people. That’s why I’ve been telling our people not to be misled. Ruto has reached his limit. Even his MPs can’t convince anyone anymore,” he stated.
“It’s all, “Yes, sir,” but no one wants to see or listen to him. That’s why they planned to pay the artists to sway the public and tell them things like SHA is working, the Mau Mau roads are under construction, and education is doing well. I am also a leader, and I will speak the truth — they were paid to betray their own people,” he added.
Kindiki’s meeting
Kindiki held a meeting with performing artistes on May 23, 2025, as part of efforts to consolidate support in the Mount Kenya region.
In what was seen as a strategic move to strengthen his influence, Kindiki met with dozens of artists, including popular secular and gospel performers.
Among those in attendance was celebrated Mugithi maestro Samidoh, whose real name is Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu.
Ben Githae of the popular ‘Uhuru Tano Tena’ hit of 2017 was also present.
“The creative industry is a multibillion-shilling business, and constant engagement with performing artists and all stakeholders is imperative in finding ways to support them through policy and protection of intellectual property rights,” Kindiki said.
As a result, Gachagua told the artists that they must apologise to the community, saying they are traitors.
Speaking at AIPCA Kihoya in Murang’a County on May 25, Gachagua alleged that at the meeting, the musicians were asked to lie to the people, stating that state programmes are working well.
“Our artists and musicians have become traitors to the community. They were told to come and lie to you that SHA is working, roads are being built, and the education sector is doing well,” Gachagua said.
In response to Gachagua’s remarks, the Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) condemned the statement as “regressive” and a direct affront to Kenya’s constitutional freedoms.
