Karangu Muraya Chased by Angry Mob in Murang’a After State House Visit

Kenyan gospel musician and philanthropist Karangu Muraya was chased away by a furious mob in Murang’a town, just days after a publicized visit to State House, drawing widespread attention both on the ground and online.

In a video circulating on social media, Muraya is seen being escorted to safety by police officers after residents confronted him, accusing him of using his charitable work for political gain.

Muraya had visited State House on June 10, 2025, alongside fellow Kikuyu musicians Ngaruiya Junior and Martin wa Janet. The visit, aimed at promoting cultural engagement, quickly drew backlash from Kenyans who perceived it as a ploy to curry favor with the government amid ongoing economic hardship.

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Tensions came to a head during a food donation drive in Murang’a, where Muraya was distributing flour to needy families. Locals, however, viewed the gesture as politically motivated and tied to his recent meeting with President Ruto. As chants of “One Term” erupted, the crowd became hostile, forcing police to deploy a rapid response unit to extract Muraya from the scene.

This isn’t Muraya’s first brush with controversy. His 2023 arrest over alleged incitement still lingers in the public consciousness, and many critics now see his association with the government as part of a larger political alignment.

Online, opinions were sharply divided:

• @mr_izzlake posted, “Ni kama murima haitaki any association with the friends of the regime,” suggesting the region is rejecting pro-government figures.

• @kasheshekaimati added, “Inafaa hivo bana,” expressing support for the mob’s actions.

• @Rhymaholic called for a broader boycott, stating, “We should unsubscribe them, report their accounts, boycott their shows.”

The backlash mirrors criticism faced by other artists who recently visited State House. Photos shared by Ngaruiya Junior and Martin wa Janet from their meeting with Ruto were met with anger from fans accusing them of being insensitive to the public’s struggles.

Muraya’s team issued a statement on June 11, denying any political intent behind his actions and urging calm, though no official probe into the Murang’a incident has been launched.

Meanwhile, reactions online continue to reflect public discontent.
@Jbm_Evan warned, “Peace, love and unity… being a traitor, you will regret.”

The confrontation adds to the growing pressure on public figures perceived to be aligning themselves with the political elite at a time of widespread dissatisfaction across the country.