Popular Mugithi singer Samuel Muchoki, well known by his stage name Samidoh,
has officially resigned from the National Police Service (NPS).
NPS accepted Samidoh’s resignation, marking the
end of his 12-year career in the service.
In his resignation letter, Samidoh cited
personal reasons, the main one being his desire to fully focus on his music
career.
This also brings to a close plans by the service
to charge him with desertion.
In recent days, the musician has found himself
in controversy, including issues surrounding his marital life, politics, and
his security career, with the NPS publicly accusing him of deserting his
duties.
NPS confirmed that it accepted his resignation,
ending his tenure as a Police Constable.
Samidoh ceased being a police officer on July
20, having previously served under the Administration Police Service.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja
confirmed the resignation.
“He is free to pursue whatever he wishes,”
said Kanja.
Samidoh earlier found himself in trouble with
his superiors after a video circulated of him singing with fans to the “wantam”
chant.
The slogan, derived from “one-term,” is used
by critics of President William Ruto who vow to block his re-election. Senior
officials at Jogoo House were displeased, citing police regulations that
strictly bar officers from political involvement.
Officials argued that Samidoh had violated
standing orders and consequently transferred him from the regular police to the
AP Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil. He was posted to Baringo and was also
expected to face disciplinary proceedings for alleged desertion of duty.
He instead took leave and left for the US for
a series of performances.
Last month, the singer sought anticipatory
bail at the High Court to prevent arrest or detention over desertion claims.
The court granted his request, noting that a
warrant of arrest had already been issued against him.
Samidoh insisted that his case was politically
motivated, arguing that his arrest was driven by his views and criticism of
government, disguised as desertion charges.
According to regulations, had he remained in
service and been found culpable, police chiefs could have fined him, issued a
warning, or dismissed him.
That decision would then have been reviewed by
the Deputy IG in charge of the AP before being forwarded to the
Inspector-General for ratification and communication to the National Police
Service Commission.
On June 10, Samidoh circulated a letter in
court signed by Principal Deputy to the IG Mathew Kutoh, which granted him
official clearance to travel abroad from May 20 to June 9, 2025.
“Travel clearance is hereby granted to the
above-named officer to travel to the United States of America for a private
visit,” the letter partly read.
Before his transfer, Samidoh and several Mt
Kenya musicians had visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen
residence on May 23.
Their visit sparked criticism, with former
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing them of betraying the Mt Kenya
community.
Gachagua even called for a boycott of their
music and urged entertainment venues to stop hosting them.
However, Prof Kindiki defended the artists,
saying they had sought government support to dismantle exploitative cartels in
the creative sector and push for fair pay.
Samidoh later met Gachagua while both were on
tour in the USA before he returned to Kenya under the protection of the
anticipatory bail.
