Popular Kikuyu Benga musician and Administration Police officer Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki, famously known as Samidoh, is facing arrest after being declared a deserter by the National Police Service (NPS). A police report indicates that Samidoh, who is attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), failed to return to duty on May 27 following the expiry of his official leave.
“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” the report stated, using his police service initials. It adds that he has been absent without official leave or permission for over ten days, which has prompted disciplinary action. Officers based in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County his native village have reportedly been instructed to arrest him on sight if found.
While the reasons behind his absence remain undisclosed, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized that all officers, regardless of status, are bound by official regulations. “These officers are civil servants and are subject to regulations and procedures, including transfers,” he said during a press briefing on May 28.
Samidoh, widely recognized for balancing a music career with law enforcement duties, has increasingly found himself at the intersection of art and politics. On May 16, during a widely shared live performance, he joined in the opposition’s chant “Wantam,” a slogan associated with recent youth-led protests, stirring both admiration and backlash online.
Shortly after, the singer appeared alongside fellow Kikuyu musicians at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s residence. There, he seemed to change tone, supporting the constitutional two-term presidential limit a move interpreted by many as a political realignment.
This latest development adds to the growing tension surrounding artists who straddle public service and political expression. Samidoh, once celebrated for his ability to navigate both law enforcement and music, now faces a defining moment in his dual career. Whether his absence signals political pressure, personal conflict, or a career crossroads, remains to be seen but the NPS’s stance suggests that rules will be strictly enforced, celebrity status notwithstanding.
