President William Ruto, his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians gifted vernacular artist Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, better known as Samidoh, Ksh8.8 million during the launch of his new project, Samidoh Foundation.
Speaking during the Foundation's Launch at Parklands Sports Club in Nairobi on Thursday, Gachagua lauded Samidoh for the project, which seeks to empower the boy child and give back to the less fortunate in society.
He further highlighted that the initiative mirrored the initiative undertaken by Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi, who has also been championing the rights of the boychild.
During the event, President Ruto and Gachagua contributed Ksh1 million each, while Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot contributed Ksh250,000 each.
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba contributed Ksh1 million from Talanta Hela to the foundation and gave a personal donation of Ksh100,000.
Senators Karen Nyamu (Nominated), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Samson Cherargei (Nandi) contributed Ksh100,000 each, while Senator John Methu (Nyandarua) donated Ksh200,000.
Within minutes, several politicians and businesspersons had sent their contributions to the Foundation, totalling over Ksh8 million.
While making his remarks, Gachagua took a swipe at Azimio politician Maina Njenga, cautioning Samidoh and other artists not to be misused by suspicious individuals.
He noted that associating themselves with specific opposition politicians would be detrimental to their musical careers.
"I want to urge you artists not to be misused. There are people who in the past used our youth for ill motives and are trying to revive it currently. You know what became of our children," Gachagua stated.
"They are trying to come back through you. They disguise an event by inviting you to perform and they take over. You'll notice that investors and politicians keep away from such functions, leaving the artists in turmoil as people will also not want to associate with them," he added.
"These people even if they wear three-piece suits, will never change their true colors. I advise Samidoh, that we love him and want to be there with him along his journey; please be cautious, and don't be misused by people seeking to invite you to their events."
