Mugithi Star Samidoh Resignation from Police Force Amid Political Controversy and Desertion Allegations.
Samuel Muchoki, the renowned Mugithi artist popularly known as Samidoh, has officially resigned from the National Police Service (NPS), ending a prolonged and public dispute with the law enforcement agency. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed the resignation in an interview on August 20, 2025, stating that Samidoh is now free to pursue his personal interests.
“We accepted his resignation letter, and I can tell you that he is free to do the things he wishes to do,” said IG Kanja.
The musician’s departure from the service follows months of controversy that began in May 2025. A video surfaced on May 16 showing Samidoh performing in a bar and leading revelers in chanting “Wantam” – a slogan meaning “one term” that is widely perceived as opposing President William Ruto’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027. The phrase was popularized by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The NPS, whose Service Standing Orders (SSO) prohibit officers from engaging in political activities, viewed Samidoh’s performance as a potential breach of regulations. In response, he was transferred on May 18, 2025, from the Central Region Police Headquarters in Nairobi to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil, Nakuru County. The move was widely interpreted as a disciplinary measure.
The situation escalated when Samidoh failed to report to his new station in Gilgil, prompting the NPS to accuse him of desertion and issue an arrest warrant in June 2025. However, the musician disputed these claims, producing an official travel-clearance letter dated April 25, 2025. The document, signed on behalf of the Inspector General, authorized him to travel to the United States for a private visit from May 20 to June 9, 2025.
In July 2025, Samidoh secured anticipatory bail from the High Court, which blocked his arrest over the desertion allegations. As part of the bail conditions, he was required to surrender his passport. This legal maneuver was part of his effort to shield himself from further disciplinary action.
Reports indicate that Samidoh formally resigned from the NPS on July 20, 2025, while serving under the Administration Police Service. His resignation concludes a highly publicized chapter that highlights the tensions between public service regulations and the personal lives of celebrity figures within state institutions.
The case has sparked significant public debate about the boundaries of political expression for public servants and the disciplinary mechanisms within Kenya’s National Police Service.
