The National Police Service (NPS) has dropped a bombshell on popular Mugithi musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki, better known as Samidoh. Authorities have ordered his immediate arrest for deserting duty after he allegedly vanished without reporting to his new post at the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil.
According to an internal police report, Samidoh’s official leave ended on May 27, 2025. Since then, not only has he failed to show up at his new station, but the singer has also remained untraceable. The NPS has now declared him a deserter under Kenyan law and suspended his salary.
The move has shocked fans and triggered a fierce national debate about power, discipline, and the politics behind the badge.
Arrest of Samidoh Exposes Power Struggles in the Police Service
The sudden fall from grace of Samidoh, once hailed as a multi-talented officer balancing law enforcement and music, has raised questions about what really triggered the disciplinary hammer.
Sources within the police say this was not just about absenteeism. They believe a recent concert in which Samidoh energized a crowd chanting anti-government slogans may have sealed his fate.
During the event, attendees loudly yelled “Wantam”—a term used to suggest President William Ruto should serve only one term. Footage showed Samidoh smiling and hyping the crowd. To top it off, he posted a cryptic Abraham Lincoln quote shortly after, saying, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
What followed was swift and merciless. Police commanders ordered his redeployment to Gilgil, a move insiders view as punitive. But Samidoh never showed up. Ten days passed. No communication. No official travel request. No show.
The ASTU commandant officially reported him as missing, triggering a disciplinary review. Under Section 94 of the National Police Service Act, a police officer who disappears without cause for over ten days is legally considered to have deserted the force. The penalty includes either summary dismissal or imprisonment of up to two years.
Police Confirm Samidoh’s Salary Was Cut
According to the disciplinary report filed by ASTU, Samidoh’s last day of lawful presence was May 26. He was expected to report the next morning but did not.
“Since then, he has not been seen, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. Efforts to trace him have been futile,” reads the report.
The NPS followed up with an immediate suspension of his salary. Officials say this is standard procedure for officers under investigation for desertion. What’s unusual is the urgency and high-profile attention the case has received.
This isn’t the first time Samidoh’s dual life as a public figure and police officer has landed him in hot water. But this time, the stakes are much higher. Disappearing while holding a government-issued firearm and failing to seek formal clearance before leaving the country—if proven—could lead to jail time.
Is This Political Payback?
Supporters of Samidoh argue that the disciplinary action looks more like retaliation than a genuine concern for police protocol. Many Kenyans believe the police are using desertion laws to punish him for aligning with anti-establishment sentiments.
“He is being made an example because he embarrassed powerful people,” said one senior officer who requested anonymity.
Online, fans are rallying behind the singer. Hashtags demanding his reinstatement are trending. But within the NPS, few are defending him openly.
“The law is clear,” said one senior officer. “No one is above orders. If you want to perform in America, resign first. Don’t wear the uniform when it suits you and vanish when it doesn’t.” That’s the crux of the matter. At what point does passion cross the line into insubordination?
