The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has strongly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for a public boycott of Mt Kenya musicians who recently met Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. The standoff erupted after a group of popular artists paid a courtesy call on Kindiki last Friday, a move Gachagua interpreted as a political betrayal.
Gachagua, who has recently faced political headwinds in the Mt Kenya region, reacted harshly to the meeting, accusing the musicians of aligning with his rivals. He threatened to initiate a cultural boycott, warning, “Those who went to Ruto to ask for forgiveness, if not, I’ll order no one to listen to their music and no clubs will invite them to perform.”
In response, MCSK Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Mutua issued a sharp statement on Monday, condemning the Deputy President’s remarks as an affront to constitutional freedoms. “We are deeply concerned by the unfortunate calls from senior political leaders urging a boycott of our members’ work,” Mutua stated, emphasizing that the artists were exercising their right to free association.
Mutua warned entertainment venues against heeding Gachagua’s call, asserting that any club or establishment that discriminates against the artists would be barred from playing MCSK-licensed music. “Let it be clearly stated that MCSK will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage targeting our members,” he added.
The dispute has already had a tangible impact, with some fans unfollowing the artists on social media and pledging to boycott their performances. Those targeted include renowned names like Samidoh Muchoki, Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, and DJ Fatxo.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has since hit back at Gachagua, accusing him of advancing authoritarian tactics. “You cannot dictate to citizens like that,” Kindiki said. “If you come within shooting range, we will deal with you.”
As political divisions deepen in Mt Kenya, MCSK has vowed to monitor the situation closely to ensure that musicians are not unfairly targeted for their political choices.
