Police orders immediate arrest of Samidoh over desertion of duty

By Newsflash Writer

The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered the immediate arrest of renowned Mugithi artist and police officer Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, over allegations of desertion from duty.

Sources within the NPS revealed that Samidoh failed to report to his new posting at the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil, where he was redeployed on May 27, 2025. Having been absent for more than ten consecutive days without authorization, disciplinary measures have now been activated.

According to police reports, the singer’s salary has also been suspended, as authorities believe he is currently in the United States on an international music tour—undertaken without formal clearance from the police service.

A report signed by the ASTU commandant and accessed by Newsflash confirmed that Samidoh did not return to his station after his official leave expired on May 27, 2025.

Police declare musician missing without leave

The report noted: “Please be informed that No. 247569/2013040010 APC Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit ‘MTD’ Company is on the above subject. The officer was granted off-duty and was supposed to report back on 27/05/2025, but he failed to do so.”

It continued, “Since then, he has not been seen, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. Efforts to trace him have been futile. 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.”

A review of Samidoh’s social media platforms by Newsflash uncovered a cryptic post quoting Abraham Lincoln: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” The post came amidst his unexplained absence and escalating controversy.

The directive to arrest him follows a recent uproar during one of his performances, where audience members were recorded chanting anti-government slogans. This incident reportedly led to his sudden transfer.

In the video footage, the crowd loudly chanted “Wantam,” a phrase commonly understood as a protest against President William Ruto’s second term bid. Samidoh was seen actively engaging and encouraging the crowd during the performance.

Following the event, high-ranking officials within the government are said to have viewed Samidoh’s actions as a breach of the Service Standing Orders (SSO), prompting disciplinary procedures.

The National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014), stipulates that any police officer who is absent from duty without leave or justification for more than ten days shall be presumed to have deserted the service.

Section 94(3) of the Act further states: “Any police officer who deserts from the Service commits an offence and is liable on conviction to summary dismissal or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.”