Content creator and media personality Oga Obinna has defended musicians and entertainers facing criticism for appearing at government-linked events, arguing that accepting such gigs should not automatically be viewed as political support.
Speaking during a discussion online, Obinna said artists hired by government institutions are simply offering professional services in the same way other Kenyans work in public sector jobs.
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“They have been hired by the government or by specific ministries to do a job. They are being paid for their services,” Obinna said.
He added that there is a difference between political endorsement and paid work.
“If someone calls me today to MC an event by the government, I will go, I will host, and I will take that money. That money does not belong to the government; that money belongs to the taxpayers, and I am a taxpayer.”
Obinna questioned why entertainers often face backlash while relatives working in government institutions are rarely criticised.
According to him, many Kenyans have family members employed by the state as teachers, police officers, or soldiers, yet they are not asked to resign because of disagreements with government policies.
“Your mother is a teacher; she works for the government. Your brother is a police officer; he works for the government. Your uncle is in the army,” he stated.
“Why is it that when an artist gets a gig from the government, it becomes a discussion? It’s just a job.”
Separating Work From Politics
Obinna also clarified that accepting government gigs does not mean artists support issues such as corruption or police brutality.
He maintained that creatives should be allowed to earn a living while still holding personal political opinions.
“We do not support the bad things the government is doing. We do not support police brutality, and we do not support corruption.
Fans React Online
Several social media users defended Obinna’s argument and said creatives should be free to work wherever opportunities arise.
One user wrote:
“Sisi sote tunachase the bag.”
Another commented:
“Well said, Obinna.”
A different fan added:
“Oga is right on this swali.”
However, critics also challenged his position, with some questioning whether entertainers should distance themselves from controversial political spaces.
Among the reactions were comments such as:
“That’s my business ❌ Msaliti ✅”
and:
“Ruto ametuma Obinna atuambie hii upuzi.”
Bien Responds to Criticism Over Macron Dinner
The debate emerged shortly after Bien-Aimé Baraza responded to criticism following his attendance at a state dinner hosted for Emmanuel Macron during the French president’s recent visit to Kenya.
President William Ruto and Macron co-hosted the Africa Forward Summit after the French leader arrived in the country on May 10.
In a statement shared online, Bien defended his attendance at the event and insisted that engaging with world leaders does not erase his identity or beliefs.
“I can sit at a table with global leaders and still remain fully African, fully critical, and fully myself. Presence is not submission,” Bien wrote.
His partner, Chiki Kuruka, also defended African creatives invited to the summit, arguing that artists help represent African stories on global platforms.
“You cannot ask African artistes to take Africa to the world, then criticise them for entering rooms where the world is shaped,” she said.
