Renowned Kikuyu musician Muigai wa Njoroge has come forward with explosive allegations against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of exploiting Mt. Kenya artists during the 2022 general election campaign and failing to pay them for their work.
Muigai broke his silence following a recent visit by a group of Mt. Kenya musicians to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office in Karen—a meeting that reportedly triggered online backlash allegedly orchestrated by Gachagua himself. In response, Gachagua is said to have called for a boycott of the musicians’ performances and digital platforms.
According to Muigai, Gachagua enlisted the support of various musicians for campaign events across Mt. Kenya but reneged on promises of payment, despite repeated attempts to settle the matter.
“Have you ever stopped to ask what really happened with these musicians?” Muigai asked. “We travelled all over Mt. Kenya campaigning for you, yet you refused to pay. I visited you several times with Ngaruiya to follow up, but we were sent in circles—from you to Wamumbi, and back again. You were in power, yet you chose to humiliate and betray us.”
Musicians said to be affected include 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.
Two businesspeople who reportedly leased a truck for Gachagua’s campaign are also said to be among those unpaid.
“You’ve tainted my name,” Muigai lamented. “I’ve been pleading with these artists not to go public with their grievances.”
He also criticized Gachagua for refusing to support efforts to reconcile musicians affiliated with rival political camps—Kenya Kwanza and Azimio.
“For two years while you served as Deputy President, I appealed to you to bring together musicians from both sides to promote unity. But you turned a deaf ear,” Muigai said.
The revelations have deepened existing tensions within the Mt. Kenya music industry and political leadership, drawing renewed attention to the treatment of artists in political campaigns.
