Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, according to Meru-based artists, should conduct investigations into the Meru County Ministry of Youth and Sports, and CEO Juliana Mugure because musicians in the county are in distress.
Mwenda Silibe, a Meru-based musician, asked Governor Kiraitu if it is necessary for him to marry a Meru County government employee in order for a proposal to be accepted.
“I traveled all the way from Tigania to attend an album launch event to be hosted by the Kiraitu Murungi government. However, upon arrival, I discovered that the launch had been planned for one musician. It was stated in a letter that the launch was intended for all musicians,” said Mwenda.
“Previously, I was one of the Meru County musicians who drafted a proposal and submitted it to the Meru County government. It’s been six months and there hasn’t been any response. If that’s the case, I plan to marry a second wife because a proposal cannot go through if you haven’t married a county government employee,” said Mwenda.
According to Promise Rumano, a gospel artist, he was perplexed as to how people with no ties to the Meru County government were supposed to benefit.
“To avoid appearing biased, I always speak the truth. I’m surprised because one Meru County musician was able to persuade Kiraitu Murungi’s government and deny others the opportunity to succeed. I have a letter with me that clearly states the purpose of the scheduled event that did not happen,” said Rumano.
“I am in favor of the album’s launch, which is fantastic. However, when you look at the letter that was drafted in order for the money to be disbursed by the Meru County government, It clearly states that a single musician, as well as the rest of the musicians from Meru county, were taken into account,” said Rumano.
Nutty Mwalimu, a musician and the bandleader of the Kianjai Live Band said he agreed with the sentiments expressed by his fellow musicians.
“The Meru County Government Youth and Sports Office does not assist anyone. To demonstrate that the county does not assist, my song, Meru tuko sawa, was featured in a Meru documentary. When Governor’s Kiraitu tv screen in his office is showing his developments, my song is always playing,” said Mwalimu.
“However, I have never received a penny, and when I inquired with Minister Rufus Miriti, he told me to wait. It has now been two years since there has been no response. I discovered that the proposal was accepted when it was drafted because another musician married a CEO from the Meru County Government.”
“The rest of the musicians were kept waiting. Kiraitu should be informed that the office of acting CEO Juliana Mugure lacks justice and oppresses musicians,” said Mwalimu.
Rumano said he has a letter with him that stated that the Meru County government collaborated with a Meru event and entertainment company to launch an album featuring Nassizu Murume and other Meru-based artists.
“There is a musician who wrote a song that was featured in the Meru County documentary. The County government paid for the tender after the musician composed the music. Until today, the musician has never received even a single cent,” said Rumano.
“I believe that money was paid to cover the musician’s rights as part of the total amount paid. Another event was planned, and I believe a budget for the musicians was prepared. I have a message for my fellow musicians who have been paid and are opposing our views.”
“The letter I have with me states unequivocally that the scheduled event took into account all musicians in Meru County. I ask those who are complaining about us how much money they received.”
“We have no problem with Nassizu Murume, but we do have a problem with where it reads other male-based artists because I am one of them. I wonder which other bases artists are,” said Rumano.
According to Nutty Mwalimu, Kiraitu Murungi should be informed that Musicians were airing their grievances because his staff lied to him that they were making a racket.
“We are revealing the truth because Meru County has upcoming artists and over 500 musicians. The governor will not be aware if we do not communicate,” said Mwalimu.
“The governor has been informed that musicians have not been sorted or assisted. After Kiraitu Murungi’s government has paid out, a few people are using the names of musicians to get money into their pockets.”
“Governor Kiraitu stated that he can smell, and I urge him to smell the Sports and Youth Ministry, which is led by Minister Miriti. He should proceed and smell the MYS office, which is led by CEO Julian Mugure. Meru County residents should be aware that musicians in the county are in distress.”
“Residents should be aware that we are airing our complaints because Meru County is not assisting anyone. A few people are stealing money intended for musicians. They then inform Kiraitu that musicians have been assisted.”
“A few people are drafting proposals and claiming to be assisting musicians. According to the letter I received, Kiraitu Murungi’s government was supporting an album launch for a single musician and other the rest of the musicians.”
I’d like to hear from any single musician who has received money from the county government. I doubt there is any because the money only goes into the hands of a few people,” said Mwalimu
Kiraitu Murungi’s staff, according to Nutty Mwalimu, gathers the names of a few musicians before lying to him that all musicians in Meru County have benefited.
