Rigathi Gachagua has stirred debate after advising celebrated Mugithi star Samidoh to quit the police service and focus entirely on his booming music career. Speaking during a radio interview, Gachagua questioned why the musician was still holding on to a job that pays far less than what he earns in a weekend of performing.
According to Gachagua, Samidoh brings in roughly KSh 400,000 every weekend from music shows—an amount that adds up to about KSh 1.6 million per month. He contrasted this with the musician’s police salary, reportedly around KSh 40,000 per month, calling it a poor trade-off given the risks associated with law enforcement. He urged Samidoh to consider the math and make a bold decision to follow the more lucrative and less hazardous path.
“I told Samidoh to think carefully: Why pursue a KSh 40,000 salary in a dangerous job when your God-given talent already pays you ten times more?” Gachagua said, noting that Samidoh’s success should allow him to prioritize safety, freedom, and personal growth over a civil service position that is increasingly coming under scrutiny.
This statement came amid ongoing drama involving the singer, who has faced disciplinary action from the police service. A warrant of arrest was recently issued after he allegedly failed to return to duty following the end of his leave on May 27. The controversy escalated after he was seen joining fans in chanting an anti-government slogan during a public performance—an act viewed as a breach of police regulations that demand political neutrality.
As a result, the musician was redeployed to Gilgil, Nakuru County, while awaiting further disciplinary action. Despite the heat, Samidoh has downplayed the issue, calling it a “passing cloud” and expressing confidence that the situation would blow over.
Gachagua, however, went further, suggesting that Samidoh should even consider staying in the United States, where he’s expected to perform during the upcoming Ngemi Festival in July. He said he plans to meet with the musician during the trip and discuss his future personally.
This isn’t the first time Gachagua has found himself at the center of controversy over such advice. Critics online quickly pointed out that he himself didn’t resign when facing political pressure, with some highlighting past calls he made for others, such as former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, to resign during heated political seasons.
Social media reactions to his remarks were mixed. While some praised him for offering fatherly advice rooted in concern for Samidoh’s well-being, others accused him of double standards and political meddling.
In the same conversation, Gachagua also announced the end of a self-imposed boycott against Kikuyu musicians who had previously visited a rival political figure’s home. He emphasized that he had moved past the issue and urged the artists to stay away from politics and focus on using their music to bring joy, peace, and unity.
As Samidoh continues to juggle fame, duty, and controversy, one thing remains clear: his choices in the coming weeks could define the next chapter of his life and career.
