Kindiki is currently traversing the country under a large-scale empowerment campaign.
However, critics have raised concerns about his grip on the Mount Kenya vote bloc.
In what is seen as a strategic move to strengthen his influence, the Deputy President met with dozens of artists, including popular secular and gospel performers, on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Among those in attendance was celebrated Mugithi maestro Samidoh, whose real name is Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu.
Ben Githae of the popular 'Uhuru Tano Tena' hit of 2017 was also present.
“The creative industry is a multibillion-shilling business, and constant engagement with performing artists and all stakeholders is imperative in finding ways to support them through policy and protection of intellectual property rights,” Kindiki said.
“Had an early morning engagement with musicians and producers on how, as government, we can support their work and the industry as a whole,” he added in a post on his X platform.
While Kindiki did not explicitly state that the artists were from the Mount Kenya region, photos he shared showed familiar faces from the area.
Notably, the meeting was also attended by several MPs from the region, including Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), John Njuguna Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Elijah Njoroge (Gatundu North), and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete).
The meeting comes amid concerns within government circles that growing public discontent, particularly among youth, is being amplified by musicians and entertainers.
Some DJs and artists have been composing and playing songs critical of the government in nightclubs across Nairobi and the Mt Kenya region.
The creative sector is expected to play a key role in shaping the 2027 general election.
In the lead-up to the 2022 polls, most popular musicians from Mount Kenya aligned with then-presidential candidate William Ruto, while a few supported Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto notably capitalised on the viral hit Sipangwingwi, using it as a rallying cry for his “hustler” movement in defiance of what he termed the “deep state.”
The song’s lyrics, which reflected resistance to imposed authority, helped mobilise a youthful base that backed Ruto over then-President Uhuru Kenyatta’s preferred candidate, Raila Odinga.
Artists have long been key beneficiaries of Kenya’s vibrant political campaign culture, earning from political endorsements while gaining national visibility and performance opportunities.
Ahead of the 2022 elections, Ruto pledged to transform the creative economy if elected.
“We have a comprehensive plan to transform the
creative industry and create jobs and opportunities for our talented youth,” he
said during a meeting with artists on July 17, 2022, at his Karen residence.
“We urge the youth to support that plan by voting for Kenya Kwanza.”
During that engagement, Ruto hosted artists including Jeshi Jinga (of Shembeteng fame), Kartelo, Modesto, Iano Ranking, and Tana Legends Music Group.
