Were Mt. Kenya Musicians Justified in Meeting President Ruto at State House?

On June 9th, 2025, a group of Mt. Kenya musicians was hosted by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi—a move that stirred a flurry of reactions across social media. Critics, mostly from the Mt. Kenya region, accused the artists of betrayal, arguing that they were aligning themselves with a government that, in their view, has not addressed the pressing concerns of the ordinary citizen.
The backlash was not new. On May 23rd, the same artists had met Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence. That meeting, too, triggered online insults and condemnation, with some residents claiming the musicians were more interested in government favors than conveying the real issues affecting the community. In response, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the musicians publicly, urging citizens to boycott their music and events—a controversial move that raised eyebrows even within political circles.
However, Deputy President Kindiki defended the artists, stating that musicians, like professionals in any other sector, have a right to engage with the government to air their grievances. “If he is having issues with me hosting 50 artists, next time I will host 500 and discuss with them how the government can help,” Kindiki declared defiantly.
The situation has since evolved from an entertainment issue to a political battleground, spilling over into rallies and public discourse. But beyond the political noise, an essential question remains: were the musicians justified in seeking an audience with the country’s top leadership?
The answer is a resounding yes.
The Kenyan music industry, despite the country ranking among the top three in music consumption in Africa, remains chronically underfunded and underappreciated. Many musicians struggle to make a sustainable living, and numerous cases have been documented of veteran artists falling ill or dying in poverty, with communities forced to raise funds for hospital bills or funerals.
The Mt. Kenya region is no exception. Artists from this area have long endured systemic neglect. Issues such as unpaid royalties, unfair distribution of Skiza tune revenues, opaque taxation policies on content creators, and YouTube monetization barriers continue to plague the sector. These are not issues that can be solved through silence or political neutrality.
Engaging with government leadership to address these problems should be encouraged, not condemned. Musicians are not just entertainers—they are cultural ambassadors, employers, and contributors to the economy. Their welfare is intertwined with the health of the creative industry and, by extension, national identity.
Rather than politicize these meetings, the public should focus on the content of the discussions and hold both the artists and the government accountable for implementing real reforms. Political diversity should also be respected. No Kenyan should be vilified for choosing to speak with leaders about matters that directly affect their livelihoods.
In conclusion, the meetings between Mt. Kenya musicians and top government officials are not just justified—they are necessary. What we need now is less noise, more dialogue, and above all, solutions.
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