Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s recent meeting with Kikuyu musicians has continued to stir mixed reactions, with some artists now breaking their silence on longstanding tensions within the community.
Celebrated singer Muigai wa Njoroge, who played a key role in the Kenya Kwanza 2022 campaign, has spoken out about strained relations between certain Kikuyu musicians and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Muigai revealed deep cracks between some Kikuyu musicians Gachagua who called for boycott of songs and events by artists who met Kindiki last week.
He claimed that Gachagua, who is seeking to solidify his influence as the Mt. Kenya region’s political kingpin, still harbors grudges against Kikuyu musicians who supported the Azimio coalition led by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga during the last general election.
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“For the two years you were Deputy President, I begged you to bring together artists from both sides to promote unity, but you declined,” Muigai told Gachagua, revealing his unsuccessful efforts to mediate reconciliation between pro-Kenya Kwanza and pro-Azimio musicians.
He also accused Gachagua of failing to pay several musicians who performed and campaigned for the Kenya Kwanza coalition during the 2022 elections.
Among those reportedly owed significant sums are artists such as 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.
