Renowned Kikuyu gospel musician Ben Githae has issued a public apology to Kenyans particularly the Gen Z community following backlash over his recent visit to State House.
Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, June 19, Githae admitted he has endured weeks of criticism and threats since the controversial meeting with President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
“I want to apologize to all Kenyans, especially Gen Z. I have surrendered, and I don’t want to be ‘greeted’ like you greeted me three weeks ago. Please forgive me if I have wronged you,” he said, referring to the intense online trolling he faced.
In early May, Githae was part of a delegation of Kikuyu musicians including Karangu Muraya and Samidoh who met the country’s top leadership to discuss government support for the music industry. However, the visit drew public outrage, with critics accusing the artists of being used for political PR at a time when many Kenyans are struggling economically.
Muraya faced further backlash after publicly praising the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming it had helped settle a hospital bill for his brother. The controversy deepened on June 18 when he revealed that the body of a friend had been stuck in a morgue for over a month due to an unpaid bill of Ksh 270,000, sparking questions about SHA’s effectiveness.
Despite SHA covering part of the original Ksh 700,000 bill, many Kenyans online viewed Muraya’s appeal as contradictory, further fueling anger.
Githae’s apology comes amid mounting youth-led criticism of public figures perceived to be aligning with the government for personal benefit.
