Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's engagement with the Kenyan Diaspora in the US on July 11, 2025 [GACHAGUA/FB]Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, alias Samidoh, and other artists, especially those from the Mt. Kenya region, to steer clear of politics, advising them to stick to their traditional themes of love, relationships, and everyday life.
Speaking during an engagement with Kenyans in the US, Gachagua praised Samidoh’s musical talent and the cultural value of Mt Kenya music, but cautioned that it was not the work of artists to campaign for government policies or projects.
He warned the artists against being drawn into political messaging, especially during a period when the country faces pressing governance and economic challenges.
“Our great son Samidoh is also here. We really love his music. The other day, they were trying to coerce these musicians to go and sing to them and lie to the people of Kenya,” Gachagua stated.
“And I told them that’s not your work. Your work is to sing for us so that we can sleep well. To entertain us when we are relaxing,” Gachagua said, triggering reactions from the diaspora.
He cautioned that music should not be used to whitewash challenges that citizens can already see and feel for themselves.
“We don’t need them to tell us that roads are being constructed—we can see them or not, isn’t it? Do you need a musician to tell you things are working?” he posed.
“These musicians, especially those from our region, sing songs that are about love and relationships. Stick to that agenda. It is a good agenda. It’s about love, courtship, broken marriages, and the normal things of life.”
His remarks come weeks after Incumbent Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hosted Samidoh and other Mt Kenya artists—including Tony Young, Shiru wa GP, and Joyce wa Mamaa—at Harambee House in what was described as a courtesy visit.
Kindiki said the meeting aimed to appreciate the artists for promoting national values through music.
Emphasising the industry's economic potential, Kindiki noted that the creative space is a lucrative business and underscored the importance of regular dialogue with artists to explore ways of strengthening the industry.
