Police Declare Samidoh a Deserter, Order His Immediate Arrest

Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki, the Kenyan police officer and celebrated musician known as Samidoh, is under scrutiny as the National Police Service (NPS) has initiated disciplinary actions against him, citing desertion from duty. 

The move follows his failure to report to his new post after being transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to Gilgil, sparking concerns and debates about the circumstances surrounding his absence and the implications for his dual career. Authorities have directed his immediate arrest, classifying his absence as a serious breach of police regulations. 

According to a memo issued by Kennedy Barasa on behalf of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) commandant Joseph Limo, Samidoh was expected to resume his duties on May 27, 2025. His failure to appear for more than ten days has led to the suspension of his salary and a directive for officers to locate him, including visits to his residence in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County. The National Police Service Act stipulates severe penalties for desertion, including dismissal, criminal charges, and potential imprisonment. 

Section 94(1) of the Act states that an officer absent for over ten days without authorized leave is presumed to have deserted. If convicted, Samidoh could face summary dismissal or imprisonment for up to two years. Conflicting records have emerged, casting doubt on the desertion claims and adding complexity to the situation. 

A document dated April 25, 2025, indicates that Samidoh was granted official clearance to travel to the United States from May 20 to June 9, 2025. During this time, he reportedly performed in the United Kingdom and Ireland before spending time with his family in the US. This discrepancy has fueled questions about whether the police service overlooked his approved leave when declaring him a deserter.

Samidoh's transfer and subsequent disciplinary action have occurred amid heightened scrutiny following a viral video of his performance on May 16, where attendees chanted "wantam," a slogan associated with opposition efforts to limit President William Ruto's term. The incident reportedly unsettled police leadership, leading to his abrupt transfer. Inspector General Douglas Kanja defended the redeployment, asserting that such transfers are routine for civil servants and not politically motivated.

The controversy deepened when Samidoh did not attend a State House meeting convened by President Ruto for artists from the Mount Kenya region. His absence fueled speculation about his political stance, particularly after he shared cryptic messages on social media. On May 28, he posted a photo from London with the caption, "The tree does not curse the axe; it grows around the wound and reaches higher still." 

The following day, he shared a Thomas Jefferson quote: "When justice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," while standing next to a British Transport Police vehicle.