SAMIDOH EXILED- Star Musician-Policeman Punished Over “One-Term” Scandal as Mt Kenya Politics Explode
Popular Mugithi singer and police officer Samidoh (real name Samuel Muchoki) has been moved from Central Region Police Headquarters to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil. This transfer comes after a controversial show where the crowd chanted “Wantam”, a political slogan calling for President William Ruto to serve only one term.
A reliable source from the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the move was part of a disciplinary process. The action was taken after a video of Samidoh’s May 16 performance went viral, raising concerns among top officers at Jogoo House.
Why the Transfer Happened
In the video, Samidoh is seen performing while the crowd loudly chants “Wantam”, a phrase made popular by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024. The slogan has become a symbol of opposition to Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
According to NPS rules, police officers are not allowed to take part in political events or debates. The police leadership saw the viral performance as a possible violation of the Service Standing Orders (SSO).
A senior officer told a local paper that top police bosses met on May 18 and decided to transfer Samidoh while further investigations take place. Possible outcomes include a demotion, fine, warning, or even dismissal.
The final decision will be made by Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, then passed to Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and finally to the National Police Service Commission.
Political Drama in Mt. Kenya
Samidoh’s transfer comes during rising political tension in the Mt. Kenya region. On May 23, he and other Kikuyu artists visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen home. The group included Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior.
Kindiki said the meeting was meant to support the creative industry with better laws and intellectual property rights. But it quickly drew fire from Rigathi Gachagua, who accused the musicians of betraying the Mt. Kenya community by siding with the government.
At a church service in Murang’a on May 25, Gachagua called on fans to boycott the artists, claiming they were each paid KSh 50,000 to attend the meeting and promote state projects like the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We feel betrayed,” Gachagua said, asking fans to unfollow the musicians online and urging clubs and event organizers to stop booking them until they apologize.
Kindiki Defends Artists
Speaking the same day in Kabete, Kiambu County, Kindiki hit back, accusing Gachagua of trying to silence creative voices.
“We are not your children. Stop trying to control us,” Kindiki said, adding that he plans to host 500 more artists to support Kenya’s creative economy.
Dennis Itumbi, head of presidential special projects, also slammed Gachagua’s stance, calling it an effort to intimidate and silence artists.
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) joined in, calling the boycott “backward” and a threat to freedom of expression.
Samidoh Caught in the Middle
Trying to calm the backlash, Samidoh performed a freestyle praising Gachagua’s strength during a show in Rongai, shortly after the Karen meeting.
This move divided his fans. Some accused him of trying to please both political sides, while others saw it as a smart way to ease tensions.
Samidoh later posted online, pleading with fans:
“You are the reason I am who I am. Please don’t abandon me.”
As the 2027 elections draw closer, and political battles heat up in Mt. Kenya, artists like Samidoh are finding it harder to balance their careers, public image, and political pressures.
SAMIDOH EXILED- Star Musician-Policeman Punished Over “One-Term” Scandal as Mt Kenya Politics Explode
