ODM leader Raila Odinga was on Tuesday hosted in Gatanga, Murang'a County for an event organized by Kenyan artists at the home of Royal Media Services Chairman SK Macharia.

Macharia has hosted Railato celebrate a 25 per cent excise duty exemption for artistes on the Skiza platform negotiated through an initiative by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga.

Wanga, who chairs Parliament's Finance Committee, moved an amendment which proposed the duty exemption citing unfair sharing of royalty proceeds due to the artists in Kenya.

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The move will see artists get the biggest share of the royalties after several artists complained about the sharing formula that left only peanuts for them even after investing so much to produce their work.

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During the event that was held at SK Macharia’s home, various musicians mingled with the leaders in the political class.

The event could not go without live performances in which the political leaders stood and joined the performers in a jig.

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The leaders could not resist the urge to comment on the political matters at the event that was chiefly meant to celebrate the 25 per cent waiver.

It appears the venue for the event was particularly chosen to launch Raila’s bid to woo Mount Kenya.

Raila announced that alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta, they would embark on a tour to popularize the handshake on a nationwide platform.

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The presence of Mount Kenya leaders led by the host Governor, Mwangi wa Iria and Kiambu Governor James Nyoro signified an endorsement of Raila for the Presidency in next year’s general election.

Raila could not help but take a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto. He accused Ruto of perpetuating the culture of handouts as an alternative to improving the lives of citizens through solid economic policies.

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Other leaders who graced the occasion include Peter Kenneth, Maoka Maore, Maina Kamanda, Kanini Kega, Gladys Wanga, Alfred Mutua, Wycliffe Oparanya, Raphael Tuju, Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, Ann Waiguru, James Orengo among others.

The political leaders showered Raila with praise, hinting at supporting his bid for State House.