Musical celebrities from Mount Kenya have been slammed after a political meeting with Deputy President Kindiki Kithure.
Some of Mount Kenya’s biggest music stars found themselves at the center of a social media firestorm after a controversial meeting with Kindiki at his Karen residence.
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What was meant to be a seemingly harmless courtesy call spiraled into a PR nightmare, as fans accused the artistes of cosying up to political power for personal gain.
Among the names caught in the storm were top Mugithi and benga hitmakers Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, and Ngaruiya Junior among others.
As outrage simmered online, fans flooded the artistes’ comment sections with harsh words, accusing them of “selling out” and abandoning the people who lifted them to stardom.
The backlash was so intense that several stars had to issue emotional public apologies, with some hinting they were struggling under the weight of the criticism.
Samidoh, known for his powerful and electryfying stage presence and signature ballads, poured his heart out on social media.
“I am asking for your forgiveness,” he posted. “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. I am truly struggling, and this situation has pushed me towards depression.”
He went on to explain that he had been invited under the impression the event was meant to promote Mount Kenya musicians and producers, not as a political endorsement.
“You are the ones who made me who I am today. Please, don’t abandon me. I will listen to you and value your support. I am truly sorry,” Samidoh pleaded.
Benga sensation Jose Gatutura also took to his socials to clear the air. In a heartfelt post, he reminded fans that as a self-employed artist, his job is to entertain everyone; regardless of political affiliation.
“To you, my fans, we’ve been together throughout my journey. You’ve supported me in a big way, and I’m always thankful,” Gatutura wrote. “I have fans from both sides, and I’m supposed to entertain all without being choosy. Seeing me on one side doesn’t mean I’m supporting or opposing the others.”
He emphasised that artistes, unlike salaried workers, rely on gigs to make a living.
“We don’t rely on payslips, that’s where we get our money. We have bills to pay, families to feed, and people depending on us. No one will just come out of nowhere and offer me money without me offering my services.”
Gatutura clarified that the meeting was about music and how the government could support the industry, not political alignment
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