Renowned Kikuyu musician Muigai wa Njoroge has publicly broken his silence on a long-standing dispute involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and a group of Mt. Kenya musicians.
Muigai spoke out following a recent visit by Mt. Kenya artists to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Karen office—a move that has sparked backlash online, allegedly fueled by Gachagua.
In response, Gachagua reportedly called on the Kikuyu community to boycott the artists’ events, music, and digital platforms.
According to Muigai, Gachagua engaged several musicians to perform and campaign for him during the 2022 general elections but failed to pay them, despite repeated follow-ups.
“Have you ever asked yourself what went wrong with these musicians?” Muigai posed. “We criss-crossed Mt. Kenya with you, but you refused to pay. I visited you several times with Ngaruiya to discuss the matter. You sent me to Wamumbi, who in turn sent me back to you. You were in government, yet you chose to humiliate and betray us.”
Among the musicians reportedly owed large sums are Wasubu, Kuruga, Sammy Irungu, Mary Lincoln, Salim Young, Kajei Salim, Ngaruiya Junior, Gathee wa Njeri, Lucy Ng’ang’a, Milka Njambi, Sammy Nene, and Kwame Rigii.
Additionally, two businesspeople who leased a truck for Gachagua’s campaign activities are also said to be unpaid.
“You’ve damaged my reputation. I’ve been pleading with these artists not to speak out publicly,” Muigai added.
He also recalled that Gachagua had refused his request to organize a reconciliation meeting between musicians who supported Kenya Kwanza and those aligned with the Azimio coalition.
“For the two years you were Deputy President, I begged you to bring together singers from both sides to foster unity. But you declined,” Muigai said.
The revelations have intensified the political and cultural rift within the Mt. Kenya music and leadership circles.
