Politics has taken center stage, infiltrating even the entertainment and content creation industry. Well, they say politics affects every aspect of our lives in one way or another, and the recent experiences of two popular Kalenjin artists, Senge Hellena and Millicent Jerotich, have proved just that.
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| Left;Vitalis aka Senge Hellena with Kapseret Mp Oscar Sudi. Right; Millicent Jerotich with Sudi (Photo Courtesy) |
Senge Hellena’s Protest Gamble
In June, popular Kalenjin content creator Senge Hellena was spotted taking part in the anti-government protests. What seemed like a personal choice quickly turned into a career-altering moment.
At the time, Senge had organized a major event at the Eldoret Sports Club, selling online tickets to eager fans. But when photos of him marching in the streets went viral, the venue management canceled his booking, citing security concerns.
Determined to move forward, he secured a new venue at the Eldoret Showground. Unfortunately, that too was canceled, leaving fans disappointed and Senge’s reputation bruised.
To make matters worse, a section of his loyal followers vowed not to attend his Tos Majehova show, saying his involvement in politics had tainted his art. For an entertainer whose fanbase is largely Kalenjin-speaking, this setback has been severe.
Mali Safi Chito: Marakwet Daughter in the Spotlight
If Senge’s story was not dramatic enough, enter Millicent Jerotich, popularly known as Marakwet Daughter, the voice behind the hit song Mali Safi Chito.
Jerotich first raised eyebrows when she publicly warned DJs against playing her music without her consent. But it was her politically charged protest song, released at the peak of anti-government demonstrations, that sparked real controversy.
The track, which condemned the government, did not sit well with her fanbase. Many supporters felt alienated and have since distanced themselves from her music, leaving her career in uncertain territory.
Oscar Sudi Steps In
In the midst of this fallout, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, one of President William Ruto’s close allies and a major figure in Rift Valley politics, has stepped forward.
Sudi, who is known to have deep ties in the entertainment scene, recently hosted both Senge Hellena and Millicent Jerotich in his office. The MP, often referred to as Engineer or Mkarabati, assured the artists of his support and welcomed them back to what he called “the father’s house.”
“As a father, I always welcome those who have wandered back home. I invite them in and make room for them. This father’s house is big and spacious enough for all of us. Karibu nyumbani, Mali Safi Chito,” Sudi posted.
Will Fans Forgive and Forget?
While Oscar Sudi’s intervention may provide political cover for the artists, the real test lies in whether their fans will embrace them once again. Both Senge Hellena and Marakwet Daughter’s careers depend heavily on community support, and rebuilding trust will not be easy.
What remains clear is that in today’s Kenya, the line between politics and entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred. For artists in the Rift Valley and beyond, navigating this space carefully could mean the difference between success and downfall.
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