The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has taken a bold stand against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he called for a boycott of Mt. Kenya musicians who visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki over the weekend.
MCSK described Gachagua’s remarks as dangerous, divisive, and an attack on the constitutional rights of artists.
The agency now threatens to revoke licenses for entertainment venues that heed the boycott call, warning that such actions would be treated as economic sabotage.
MCSK Slams Gachagua for Urging Public to Boycott Mt Kenya Musicians, Calls It Economic Sabotage
The tension began after a group of popular Mt Kenya musicians, including Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, DJ Fatxo, and Jose Gatutura, met with Deputy President Kindiki in Karen. The meeting drew instant backlash from Gachagua, who accused the artists of betraying the community and urged fans to unfollow and stop listening to their music.
Gachagua’s remarks have since stirred controversy across the region. While addressing a crowd in Murang’a on May 25, he said the musicians must apologise to the people or face consequences. He claimed Mt Kenya elders had expressed disappointment with the artists’ choice to associate with Kindiki, a move they interpreted as political betrayal.
But MCSK isn’t taking the threats lightly. In a hard-hitting statement seen by Kenya Insights, the agency defended the musicians’ right to associate with any leader, calling Gachagua’s boycott call an attempt to destroy livelihoods.
“We are deeply concerned by the unfortunate calls from senior political leaders urging a boycott of our members’ work,” MCSK said. “Let it be clearly stated that MCSK will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage targeting our members.”
The society warned entertainment venues against participating in the boycott, stating that any club, bar, or event organizer that denies artists space to perform risks losing their MCSK music licenses.
“Public performances constitute a vital source of income for our artistes. Introducing divisive political measures that threaten this livelihood is tantamount to destroying the very foundation of their creative enterprise,” the statement added.
MCSK further encouraged artists to remain united and avoid political manipulation, warning that leaders sowing division are harming not just the industry but the broader social fabric.
Gachagua Accused of Using Musicians as Political Pawns
This is not the first time Gachagua has targeted musicians for political reasons. Critics say the former Deputy President has a pattern of rallying support through ethnic loyalty and shaming those who step out of line.
His recent outburst came just a day after photos surfaced online of musicians meeting Kindiki in Karen, sparking speculation about shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Gachagua immediately went on the offensive, accusing the artists of disloyalty and labeling the meeting a betrayal.
Sources close to the musicians say the meeting with Kindiki focused on industry issues like copyright enforcement, royalties, and performance rights. But Gachagua chose to politicize the engagement, accusing Kindiki of bribing the artists with handouts—an allegation the DP has firmly denied.
During an address in Kabete on May 26, Kindiki called Gachagua’s comments reckless and dismissed the bribery claims, saying the artists came of their own free will to discuss ways to improve the music industry.
“They were not paid to attend. They came because they care about their industry,” Kindiki said. “Let us stop politicizing everything.”
Musicians Call for Unity as Fans Remain Divided
In the aftermath, the artists caught in the middle are facing intense online criticism from Gachagua’s supporters. Some fans have unfollowed them, but others continue to support the musicians, arguing that politics should not divide artists.
“I’m a musician, not a politician,” Karangu Muraya wrote on Facebook. “I went to the meeting to speak about the challenges we face as artists, not to campaign.”
Ben Githae, known for composing pro-government songs, also weighed in, calling for peace and urging fans not to judge artists for engaging leaders on matters affecting the entertainment sector.
MCSK echoed these sentiments, stating that musicians play a key role in healing the country, especially at a time when political divisions are threatening national unity.
“Their God-given talents are invaluable, especially in these times of widespread despair caused by ethnic tensions and divisive politics,” the organisation said.
As the “Boycott Mt Kenya Musicians” row grows, it remains to be seen whether Gachagua will retract his comments or if MCSK will follow through with its threat to pull licenses from non-compliant venues.
What’s clear is that artists are demanding respect—not just for their craft, but for their right to engage freely with any leader, regardless of political affiliations.
