DROP THE BEAT OR DROP THEM? GACHAGUA DROPS MIC ON KIKUYU MUSICIANS

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked a heated debate after urging Mt. Kenya residents to boycott musicians who recently met Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Speaking in Murang’a on Sunday, May 25, Gachagua labelled artists including Samidoh, Jose Gatutura, Karangu Muraya, and Ben Githae as "traitors" for associating with a regime he claims has oppressed the community.

He called on entertainment venues to cancel their bookings, and urged supporters to unfollow and stop listening to their music unless they apologise.

The remarks ignited mixed reactions online. While some supporters acted on Gachagua’s call — unfollowing the artists and criticizing them as sellouts — others pushed back, launching a counter-campaign that saw many fans publicly follow and stream the musicians’ content in defiance.

This split response, dubbed “uncancellation” by some users, highlighted the growing tension between politics and entertainment in the Mt. Kenya region.

As of now, the artists have not issued official responses to the controversy.