Gachagua Targets Musicians for Meeting Kindiki as MCSK Fires Back with Sanctions Threat
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has issued a strong rebuke of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks targeting Mt Kenya musicians, warning of potential punitive measures against venues that heed his call to boycott the artists.
The controversy emerged following a visit by several Mt Kenya musicians to current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s residence in Karen over the weekend. In response, Gachagua, while speaking in Murang’a on Sunday, May 25, urged the region’s residents to unfollow and stop supporting the musicians, alleging betrayal of the community. The artists named include Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior.
In a statement released Monday, MCSK condemned Gachagua’s remarks, describing them as “a form of economic sabotage” that threatens the livelihoods of its members. The society asserted that artists have a constitutional right to freedom of association and warned entertainment venues against participating in any politically motivated discrimination.
“Let it be clearly stated that MCSK will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage targeting our members. Any entertainment venue that complies with calls to discriminate against our artists will not be authorised to play music licensed by MCSK,” the statement read.
“Public performances constitute a vital source of income for our artistes, and introducing divisive political measures that threaten this livelihood would be tantamount to destroying the very foundation of their creative enterprise.”
MCSK further urged promoters and venues to resist political pressure and uphold the rights of artists to perform and earn a living. The organization also encouraged unity among artists, emphasizing their crucial societal role.
“Their God-given talents are invaluable, especially in these times of widespread despair caused by ethnic tensions and divisive politics,” MCSK added.
The backlash against the musicians has reportedly been fueled by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which has aligned with Gachagua in criticizing the artists’ association with Deputy President Kindiki.
In a separate statement, Kindiki refuted claims that he had bribed the musicians to attend the event. Speaking during an economic empowerment program for SACCOs in Kabete, Kiambu County, the Deputy President decried what he termed as political intolerance and emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
This incident highlights growing political tensions in the Mt Kenya region and raises concerns about the intersection of politics and artistic expression in Kenya.
MCSK has made it clear that it will take regulatory action against any institution that implements a boycott of the affected musicians. As the political atmosphere in Mt Kenya remains charged, industry stakeholders and civic rights groups are expected to watch closely how the matter unfolds in the coming weeks.
Gachagua Targets Musicians for Meeting Kindiki as MCSK Fires Back with Sanctions Threat