Samidoh's Cheeky Response After Gachagua's "Traitor" Label Over Kindiki Meeting

Popular Mugithi star Samidoh Muchoki has found himself at the centre of a political and cultural storm after he was spotted at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Karen residence alongside several Kikuyu musicians.

The visit, which took place on 23 March 2025, sparked immediate backlash from a section of the public, as well as a furious response from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been vocal in his criticism of Kindiki and anyone seen to be aligning with him.

Gachagua accused the artists—among them Samidoh, Jose Gatutura, Ben Githae, Karangu Muraya, and DJ Fatxo—of betraying their community, labelling them wasaliti wa jamii (traitors of the community).

Speaking at a church event, he claimed the musicians had been paid KSh 50,000 each to praise the government and its social initiatives, including 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 warned, following what he said was consultation with elders.

In what many interpreted as a subtle response, Samidoh broke his silence online with a cryptic post:

“In a war of ego, the loser wins.”

The statement left fans speculating about its meaning, with some assuming it was aimed at Gachagua or possibly directed at critics fuelling the online backlash. One Facebook user, Blessed Stephen Wamugure, quipped:

“Samidoh thought that they were going to visit Karen Nyamu, only to find himself in the wrong Karen.”

Samidoh, known for his wit, fired back playfully:

“Mnajua mimi ni mtoto yatima?” (Do you guys know that I’m an orphan?)

The cheeky response seemed to momentarily ease tensions, with many fans laughing off the controversy and appreciating his humour.

However, just hours before Gachagua's remarks, Samidoh was also seen performing at a local event in Rongai where he sang praises of the former DP—perhaps an attempt to demonstrate balance amid a politically charged atmosphere.

In Kikuyu, he sang:

“Hatuwachi Gachagua wetu tukienda, tukienda kwa baba. Rigathi wa Gachagua, huyo ni mwanaume. Even when others resent him and hate him, he is still a man. Where men are, is where we are.”

The performance drew wild cheers from the crowd and further stirred online debate over his true political stance.

Samidoh, who is also a police officer, has often walked a fine line between showbiz and politics. At the Kindiki gathering, he introduced himself light-heartedly as a gospel singer and ended his remarks with a cheeky “Tutam”—a reference to the current regime serving two terms.

Jose Gatutura, another top Mugithi artist, also addressed the backlash. He insisted that attending the Karen meeting did not mean he supported any particular leader.

“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,” he explained.

Deputy President Kindiki echoed similar sentiments, stating that the meeting was about improving conditions for artists and not about political allegiance. He accused past leaders of exploiting musicians for political gain through praise songs and divisive music.