Popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, widely known as Samidoh, has been granted anticipatory bail of Sh200,000 by the High Court to block his arrest over allegations of deserting duty at the National Police Service.
Justice Diana Kavedza also ordered the artist to deposit his passport with the court as part of the bail conditions.
The court order comes after Samidoh revealed that he has already applied for retirement from the police service, linking the desertion case to his political views on the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The musician, who is attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit, was accused of deserting duty at his work station in Gilgil, Nakuru County, since May 27, 2025.
Samidoh told the court that he had traveled to the United States with proper authorization from his employer to visit family and attend his child’s graduation.
However, while abroad, he learned that a warrant of arrest had been issued against him by the same National Police Service that had approved his travel.
Upon discovering the warrant, he returned to Kenya on June 17, 2025, formally submitted his retirement request, and was cleared by the NPS before returning to the US.
The musician expressed concerns that his potential arrest was not based on lawful police action but stemmed from improper motives related to his political views and criticism of the government, disguised as desertion allegations.
His legal team argued that the warrant was unjustified and malicious, particularly since his travel had been sanctioned by the same authority now seeking his arrest.
Justice Kavedza, sitting at the High Court in Kibera, acknowledged that there existed a demonstrable and imminent threat to Samidoh’s liberty.
She noted the inconsistency in the National Police Service’s actions, observing that the same authority that approved his travel was now pursuing him for alleged desertion, which raised legitimate concerns about the warrant.
The judge emphasized that Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom and security, including protection from arbitrary arrest.
While the National Police Service and the Director of Public Prosecutions remain free to investigate or charge him for any criminal conduct, they cannot arrest or detain him until further court orders.
Samidoh, who has served as a Police Constable since January 12, 2013, is expected to return to Kenya this weekend.
The case has been scheduled for mention on September 16, 2025, as the musician prepares to transition from his dual career as both a law enforcement officer and one of Kenya’s most celebrated Mugithi artists.
Popular Kikuyu musician makes bold declaration of loyalty to former Deputy President during diaspora event in the United States
In a moment that electrified the Kenyan diaspora community in Seattle, renowned Kikuyu musician Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known as Samidoh, made a bold declaration of allegiance to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a musical performance that has since sparked conversations across Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking in his native Kikuyu dialect before launching into his performance, Samidoh addressed Gachagua directly, stating: “Your Excellency, we usually listen to what you say and get targeted. But if that’s the case, then it’s the Seattle Declaration.”
The statement, delivered with characteristic humor that drew laughter from the audience, represented a significant moment of political positioning by one of Kenya’s most beloved musicians.
The comment appeared to acknowledge the political risks associated with supporting Gachagua while simultaneously affirming his continued loyalty to the former Deputy President.
The event, co-organized by Samidoh and media personality Muthoni wa Kirumba (Baby Tops), brought together members of the Kenyan diaspora for what was billed as an evening of music and political engagement.
The gathering took on added significance as it marked Gachagua’s first international trip since his removal from office in October 2024.
Following his declaration, Samidoh launched into a stirring performance of “Mwene Nyaga,” a popular Mau Mau-era song that carries deep historical and cultural significance for the Mt. Kenya community.
The audience responded enthusiastically, singing along and raising their arms in solidarity, with many capturing the moment on their phones – ensuring the performance would reach audiences far beyond the Seattle venue.
The choice of “Mwene Nyaga” was particularly symbolic, as the song represents themes of resistance and cultural identity that have resonated with the Mt. Kenya community for generations.
By performing this specific song immediately after his declaration of support for Gachagua, Samidoh appeared to be drawing parallels between historical struggles and contemporary political dynamics.
The evening took on additional political weight with the presence of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, who joined Gachagua as a guest of honor.
After his performance, Samidoh greeted both leaders, drawing cheers from the crowd and further cementing the political nature of the gathering.
During his address to the audience, Gachagua praised Samidoh’s musical talent and emphasized the cultural value of Mt. Kenya music.
However, he also issued a cautionary note about the role of artists in political discourse, warning against being drawn into government messaging campaigns.
“Our great son Samidoh is also here. We really love his music. The other day, they were trying to coerce these musicians to go and sing to them and lie to the people of Kenya,” Gachagua stated.
“And I told them that’s not your work. Your work is to sing for us so that we can sleep well. To entertain us when we are relaxing.”
This statement appeared to reference ongoing debates about the appropriate role of artists in political campaigns and government messaging, particularly in light of recent efforts by various political figures to enlist musicians in their causes.
The Seattle event represents a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape, as it demonstrates the continued influence of diaspora communities in domestic politics and highlights the complex relationship between entertainment and political expression.
Samidoh’s public declaration of allegiance to Gachagua, despite acknowledged risks, signals the deep political divisions that continue to shape Kenya’s political discourse.
The choice of venue – Seattle, far from the immediate pressures of Kenyan politics – may have provided a space for more open political expression than might be possible at home.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Police authorities have declared Anti-Stock Theft Unit officer Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, a deserter and issued orders for his immediate arrest following his unexplained absence from duty.
The National Police Service announced the decision after the officer failed to report back from leave granted on May 27, 2025.
According to an official memo from Stockpol Gilgil seen by Kenya Insights, Samidoh was expected to return to duty the same day but has remained absent without leave for over two weeks.
The memo, dated June 6, 2025, formally declared him a deserter effective June 5.
Police have directed the Pay Section to suspend Samidoh’s salary immediately and instructed the Stockpol Nairobi office to circulate his details in the national police gazette.
Officers at Stapol Catumbiro have been tasked with visiting his home in Nyandarua West, Catumbiro sub-location, to arrest him if located.
The memo, signed by Assistant Chief Henry Murage, emphasizes the need for swift action to apprehend the missing officer.
Authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind his disappearance.
The development has raised concerns within the police force about maintaining discipline and accountability among officers.
The public has been urged to report any information regarding Samidoh’s whereabouts to the nearest police station.
Efforts to trace the officer since his disappearance have proven unsuccessful, according to police sources.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Popular Mugithi musician and career police officer Samuel Muchoki, known professionally as Samidoh, has been transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil following a controversial performance where audience members chanted “Wantam,” a politically charged slogan advocating for a one-term presidency for President William Ruto.
The transfer, confirmed by a highly placed source at the National Police Service (NPS), is part of disciplinary measures initiated after video of the May 16 performance sparked concerns among police commanders at Jogoo House.
The controversy
The incident began when a video of Samidoh performing at an entertainment venue went viral on social media.
In the clip, audience members are heard chanting “Wantam,” a term popularized by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024.
The phrase, a corruption of “one term,” has become a rallying cry for President Ruto’s political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NPS, which prohibits officers from engaging in political activities, viewed Samidoh’s involvement in the performance as a potential breach of Service Standing Orders (SSO).
A senior officer, speaking to a local newspaper, revealed that police commanders discussed the matter on May 18 and resolved to transfer Samidoh as part of disciplinary action.
Further investigations are underway, with possible outcomes including demotion, a fine, a warning, or dismissal from the service.
The findings will be forwarded to Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, Samidoh’s direct superior, and then to Inspector General Douglas Kanja for ratification before submission to the National Police Service Commission.
When contacted, Samidoh declined to comment, stating he was “in a place I can’t speak now.” Neither Masengeli nor Kanja responded to inquiries regarding the disciplinary action.
Political tensions in Mt. Kenya
The transfer coincides with heightened political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region, where Samidoh and other prominent Kikuyu musicians faced backlash after visiting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence on May 23.
The group included Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior.
The meeting, described by Kindiki as an effort to support the creative sector through policy reforms and intellectual property protections, drew sharp criticism from Gachagua, who accused the musicians of betraying the Mt. Kenya community by aligning with the government.
Speaking at a church service in Murang’a on May 25, Gachagua called for a boycott of the musicians, alleging they were each paid KSh 50,000 to attend the meeting and promote government initiatives like the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We are very sad that some of our artistes have become traitors for the community,” Gachagua said, urging fans to unfollow the artists on social media and entertainment venues to stop booking them until they apologize.
Kindiki fires back
Kindiki responded forcefully on May 25 during an event in Kabete, Kiambu County, accusing Gachagua of promoting political intolerance and vowing to host 500 more artists at his residence.
“Do not lecture us; we are not your children,” Kindiki said, defending the musicians’ right to engage with the government on industry issues.
He emphasized government efforts to dismantle exploitative cartels in the music industry.
Dennis Itumbi, head of presidential special projects, criticized Gachagua’s attacks as an attempt to control artists’ voices.
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) condemned Gachagua’s boycott call as “regressive” and a threat to freedom of expression.
Attempting to navigate the fallout, Samidoh performed a freestyle verse praising Gachagua’s resilience at a show in Rongai shortly after the Karen visit, sparking debate about his political loyalties. Some fans accused him of playing both sides, while others saw it as a strategic move to appease critics.
“You are the ones who made me who I am today. Please, don’t abandon me,” Samidoh pleaded on social media in response to the backlash.
As the Mt. Kenya region becomes a battleground for political influence ahead of 2027, the pressure on artists like Samidoh underscores the challenges of balancing creative freedom with political expectations in Kenya’s charged political climate.
Former Deputy President threatens economic sabotage against artists who met with current DP at Karen residence
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Mount Kenya musicians who recently visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence, branding them “traitors” and demanding they apologize to Kenyans or face a comprehensive boycott.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kihoya in Kangema Constituency, Murang’a County on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Gachagua escalated his rhetoric against the artists, threatening to organize economic sabotage that would effectively end their careers.
“We are very sad that some of our artistes have become traitors for the community. They were invited at Karen by Mr Moneybags and told to come and lie to you that SHA (Social Health Authority) is working,” Gachagua declared to the congregation.
The former Deputy President claimed he had consulted with community elders before making his public pronouncement, adding weight to his ultimatum.
“I sat down with elders and they told me to announce that the artistes should apologise,” he stated.
Gachagua outlined a multi-pronged approach to pressuring the musicians, targeting their income streams and public platforms:
“If they do not apologise, we should stop listening to their music. They should also not be invited to the entertainment joints where they go. If club owners call such a person, customers should shift to another place. Also, unfollow them on social media,” he instructed his supporters.
The threat extends beyond individual consumer choices to organized economic warfare against entertainment venues that would host the artists.
This represents an unprecedented escalation in Kenya’s political discourse, where a former high-ranking official is openly calling for coordinated economic sabotage.
Gachagua’s anger stems from what he perceives as the musicians’ willingness to endorse government policies during their meeting with Kindiki.
He accused them of being instructed to “tell us that roads are being built and education is running smoothly” in exchange for financial incentives.
The former Deputy President also made serious allegations against Kindiki personally, claiming his “hands were filled with blood” due to his role as Interior Cabinet Secretary during the 2024 Gen Z protests, when several demonstrators were killed by police.
The Karen meeting
The controversial meeting took place at Kindiki’s Karen residence, where the Deputy President hosted various musicians and producers primarily from the Mount Kenya region.
According to official reports, the discussion focused on the economic potential of the creative sector, supportive policies, and intellectual property rights protection.
Among the notable attendees were popular musicians Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu (Samidoh), Ben Githae, Karangu Muraya, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, and Ngaruiya Junior. Several MPs from the region also attended, pledging legislative support for the creative economy.
Backlash
Samidoh and DP Kindiki during the meeting with Mt Kenya musicians.
The political fallout has been swift and brutal for the musicians involved. Social media platforms erupted with criticism from fans who accused the artists of “selling out” and abandoning their supporters for political gain.
Samidoh, one of Kenya’s most popular Mugithi artists, issued an emotional public apology acknowledging the depth of anger directed at him.
“I am asking for your forgiveness,” he posted on social media.
“I have seen your anger over my visit to Karen. I’ve received thousands of messages, most of them filled with insults and hate, and it has left me deeply hurt.”
The artist revealed the personal toll of the controversy, “I am truly struggling, and this situation has pushed me towards depression.”
He explained that he believed the meeting was meant to promote Mount Kenya musicians rather than serve as a political endorsement.
Jose Gatutura also defended his attendance, emphasizing his role as an entertainer who serves fans across political divides.
“I have fans from both sides, and I’m supposed to entertain all without being choosy,” he wrote, clarifying that artists depend on gigs to make a living and that the meeting focused on government support for the music industry.
Unprecedented political weaponization
Gachagua’s call for boycotts represents a concerning development in Kenya’s political landscape, where entertainment and arts are being weaponized for political purposes.
The threat to organize consumer boycotts and pressure entertainment venues creates a dangerous precedent that could stifle artistic freedom and economic opportunities for creatives.
The controversy highlights the delicate position of artists in Kenya’s polarized political environment, where any engagement with political figures can be interpreted as endorsement and lead to severe backlash from opposing camps.
As this story continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether the musicians will issue the apologies Gachagua demands or whether they will resist what many view as political intimidation of the creative community.
The outcome could have lasting implications for the relationship between politics and entertainment in Kenya.
Popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, better known as Samidoh, has categorically dismissed widespread rumors suggesting he had resigned from the National Police Service, declaring that he remains an active officer while pursuing his musical career.
Speaking during a high-profile meeting hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Karen on Friday, Samidoh addressed the speculation head-on with characteristic brevity.
“I am a musician and also serve as a police officer under the National Police Service, and normally I don’t speak a lot under my boss,” he stated during what appeared to be a light moment as he introduced himself to attendees.
The clarification comes at a time when the artist has been under intense public scrutiny following a series of cryptic social media posts that sparked concern among his fanbase.
Recently, Samidoh posted what many interpreted as a farewell message while celebrating his estranged wife Edday Nderitu’s birthday, writing about living life to the fullest and being remembered “as a heart that burned with a flame” should he die before his time.
The post, which was later deleted, generated viral screenshots and widespread speculation about the musician’s wellbeing and future plans.
Many fans connected the troubling message to his recent performances, particularly one where he encouraged revelers to chant “Wantam” – a term popularized by opposition supporters to advocate for a Ruto’s single presidential term.
Adding another layer of intrigue to Friday’s Karen meeting, Samidoh made an unexpected political reference by uttering the phrase “two-term” without elaboration.
The comment immediately drew attention from attendees, given the current political climate and the musician’s previous association with opposition terminology.
The dual role of artist and law enforcement officer has long been a unique aspect of Samidoh’s public persona.
His confirmation of continued police service puts to rest months of speculation that had circulated in entertainment and social media circles about his potential departure from the force to focus solely on his thriving music career.
However, his recent political statements have raised questions about the traditional expectation for public officers to remain apolitical.
The musician’s apparent political leanings, combined with his continued police service, present a complex dynamic that has sparked debate about the boundaries between personal expression and professional obligations for civil servants.
As Samidoh navigates both his artistic ambitions and law enforcement duties, his public statements continue to generate significant attention, reflecting the unique position he occupies at the intersection of entertainment, politics, and public service in contemporary Kenya.
The musician’s reaffirmation of his police service effectively closes one chapter of speculation while potentially opening new discussions about the evolving role of public figures who serve in multiple capacities within Kenyan society.
Nairobi, May 23, 2025 – Kenyan musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki, known professionally as Samidoh, has triggered widespread concern among fans with a cryptic Facebook post about his potential “unexpected death.”
The message, posted at dawn today, has generated hundreds of comments from worried supporters amid Kenya’s increasingly volatile political climate.
In his post, Samidoh wrote: “In case I die unexpectedly, or before my time, I want you to know that I’ve lived a full and good life. Allah gave me an opportunity to travel the world, see nature at its best, meet incredible humans I was fortunate enough to share a moment with.”
The message continued with what many interpreted as a farewell: “If you ever miss me, look at the stars, I will be there shining brightly reminding you to live your life with passion, chase your dreams and cherish the people around you.”
His fanbase is grappling with genuine fear for the artist’s safety.
Several responses directly reference current political tensions and Samidoh’s controversial music.
“In this era of kasongo where everything is possible at anytime and especially after your famous wantam chorus, hope you are fine and nobody is trolling you,” wrote Yvoone K Kim, using the slang term “kasongo” to describe Kenya’s chaotic political climate while referencing Samidoh’s provocative song Wantam.
Other fans urged immediate action. “Those who r close to Sammy should look at him with immediate effects,” commented Poline Kaniaru, while several others questioned whether the post was connected to recent events or threats.
Samidoh’s message comes during a particularly tense period in Kenyan politics. His song Wantam, which echoes former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s rhetoric and contains veiled criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, has placed the police officer-turned-musician in a potentially precarious position.
Recent incidents have amplified fears of targeted harassment against those associated with Gachagua.
Media personality Oga Obinna recently claimed he was being followed after hosting the former deputy president on his show, while the unsolved murder of a Catholic priest who had met with Gachagua has added to the atmosphere of unease.
Not all fans interpreted the post as ominous. Some viewed it as philosophical reflection or even promotional content for upcoming music.
“Here I thought this is a rap song by Tupac Shakur,” commented Flozie Wanjiku, expressing initial confusion about the post’s nature.
Others offered spiritual reassurance.
“And tonight I declare for myself and to whoever is reading this that premature death is not our potion. We shall enjoy long life and blessed years in Jesus mighty name,” wrote Bilha Beatrice, whose comment received over 800 reactions.
As of publication, Samidoh has not clarified the meaning behind his post or addressed the concerns raised by fans.
The timing—coming amid political tensions, his controversial music, and ongoing personal drama involving his relationship with nominated Senator Karen Nyamu—has left many speculating about his motivations.
The post has sparked broader conversations about artist safety, political expression, and the climate of fear that some perceive in Kenya’s current political landscape.
Whether Samidoh’s message represents genuine concern for his safety, artistic expression, or personal reflection remains unclear.
For now, his fans can only hope that the “victory” referenced in his hashtag comes in the form of continued safety and success rather than serving as a prophetic farewell.
