Samidoh Caught in Political Crossfire After Visit to DP Kindiki’s Residence Sparks Controversy

Samidoh Muchoki has landed in hot water after being seen at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Karen residence on March 23, 2025, alongside several other Kikuyu musicians. The visit triggered a swift backlash, most notably from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused the artists of betraying their community.

The meeting—which also included musicians Jose Gatutura, Ben Githae, Karangu Muraya, and DJ Fatxo—has been perceived by some as a political statement amid ongoing tensions between Gachagua and Kindiki. Gachagua, speaking at a church event, claimed the musicians had each been paid KSh 50,000 to endorse government initiatives such as the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“If they do not apologise, we’ll stop listening to their music. Clubs should stop inviting them. Online, just unfollow them,” Gachagua said, adding that he had consulted community elders before making the statement. He branded the artists wasaliti wa jamii (traitors to the community).

Samidoh’s Subtle Clapback

Following the backlash, Samidoh took to social media with a cryptic post:
“In a war of ego, the loser wins.”
The message stirred speculation, with many interpreting it as a veiled response to Gachagua’s attack. In the comment section, one Facebook user joked:
“Samidoh thought that they were going to visit Karen Nyamu, only to find himself in the wrong Karen.”

Samidoh, known for his quick wit, cheekily replied:
“Mnajua mimi ni mtoto yatima?” (Do you know I’m an orphan?)—a lighthearted remark that briefly softened the mood online.

Balancing Act in Rongai

Interestingly, just hours before Gachagua’s condemnation, Samidoh had performed in Rongai, where he praised the former DP in a Kikuyu folk rendition that seemed to reaffirm his loyalty:

“Hatuwachi Gachagua wetu tukienda, tukienda kwa baba. Rigathi wa Gachagua, huyo ni mwanaume…”
(We do not leave our Gachagua even as we go; Rigathi Gachagua is a man. Even when others resent him, he remains a man. Where men are, we are.)

The song was met with thunderous applause, deepening public speculation over his political alignment.

Artists Defend Their Presence

During the Karen meeting, Samidoh jokingly introduced himself as a gospel artist and closed his remarks with “Tutam,” a cheeky nod to the current administration’s hopes for a second term.

Jose Gatutura also spoke out amid the criticism, clarifying that their attendance did not signal political allegiance:

“I’m a neutral artist. I have fans from both sides. Music is my livelihood—we don’t have salaries. We go where we’re called to perform, and we get paid.”

Kindiki Clarifies the Meeting’s Purpose

Deputy President Kindiki defended the meeting, stating it was aimed at improving the welfare of artists—not advancing political interests. He criticized previous administrations for using musicians as political tools through praise songs and divisive messages.

As political temperatures continue to rise, Samidoh and his fellow artists find themselves navigating a complex intersection of culture, politics, and public perception. Whether this controversy will affect their careers—or simply blow over—remains to be seen.