The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered the immediate arrest of celebrated Mugithi musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, over allegations of desertion of duty.
According to official reports, Samidoh failed to report to his newly assigned duty station at the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil on May 27, 2025, marking more than ten consecutive days of unexplained absence.
Police say the singer’s last known duty-related activity was before the expiry of his official leave.
A disciplinary report signed by the ASTU commandant and seen by Kenyans.co.ke confirms the singer has now been officially declared a deserter under the National Police Service Act.
“The officer was granted off-duty and was supposed to report back on 27/05/2025, but he failed to do so,” the report states.
“He has now absented himself without leave for a period of more than 10 days and is hereby declared a deserter with effect from 06/06/2025.”
The report further reveals that efforts to trace Samidoh’s whereabouts have been unsuccessful, although unconfirmed reports suggest the officer-turned-musician is currently in the United States on a musical tour. His salary has since been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
The order for Samidoh’s arrest follows recent political controversy during one of his performances, where attendees were seen chanting anti-government slogans, specifically “Wantam” – a popular opposition term meaning “one term” and interpreted as a call for President William Ruto to serve only one term.
Footage from the event shows Samidoh encouraging the crowd during the chants, a move that reportedly infuriated senior police commanders who deemed his conduct as a breach of the Service Standing Orders (SSO).
Amid the storm, Samidoh posted a cryptic quote on social media, attributed to Abraham Lincoln:
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
The post has since drawn widespread speculation, with some interpreting it as a veiled response to his critics and disciplinary troubles.
Legal Implications of Desertion
Under Section 94 of the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014), any police officer who fails to report for duty for more than ten consecutive days without leave or valid cause is considered to have deserted the service.
The law states:
“A police officer who absents himself from duty without leave or just cause for a period exceeding ten days shall, unless the contrary is proved, be considered to have deserted from the Service.”
Furthermore, desertion is a criminal offence, punishable by summary dismissal or imprisonment for up to two years, as per Section 94(3) of the same Act.
The situation adds to the growing tension between State institutions and public figures perceived to be sympathetic to dissenting views or opposition narratives.
It also places renewed scrutiny on the balancing act between professional discipline and freedom of expression for public servants.
As of this publication, the whereabouts of Samidoh remain officially unknown, and no public statement has been issued by the musician or his representatives.
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