Kenya’s top music licensing body has spoken out strongly against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call to boycott a group of Mt Kenya musicians.
Ezekiel Mutua, Chief Executive of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), warned that the move amounts to “economic sabotage” and violates the rights of artists who recently met Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The musicians—among them Samidoh Muchoki, Ben Githae, Karangu Muraya, and DJ Fatxo—visited Kindiki’s home last Friday. According to the Deputy President, the meeting focused on tackling what he described as “exploitative cartels” within the music industry.
But Gachagua, angered by the visit, accused the artists of disloyalty.
“Those who went to Ruto to ask for forgiveness—if not, I’ll order no one to listen to their music. No clubs should invite them to perform,” Gachagua declared during a public address.
In response, Mutua issued a firm warning to entertainment venues:
“MCSK will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage targeting our members,” he said. “Any venue that obeys such a boycott will lose the right to play MCSK-licensed music.”
He further noted that public performances are a major source of income for musicians.
“Introducing divisive political measures that threaten their livelihood would be tantamount to destroying the very foundation of their creative enterprise,” Mutua added.
The clash has sparked online backlash against the musicians, with some fans unfollowing them on social media and cancelling club appearances. Despite the heat, most of the artists have not publicly responded.
Meanwhile, Kindiki hit back at Gachagua for what he described as authoritarian tactics.
“Some people have become arrogant, lecturing everyone—musicians, politicians. Who do they think they are?” Kindiki said. “You cannot dictate to citizens like that. If you come within shooting range, we will deal with you.”
The MCSK has pledged to monitor the situation closely and defend any artist facing discrimination due to their political associations.
As political rifts widen, Kenya’s music community finds itself drawn into a storm far beyond the stage—one that could shape the future of freedom and artistic expression in the country.
