Samidoh refutes Gachagua’s claims on resignation from police job

By Newsflash Reporter

Popular Kikuyu Benga musician and serving police officer Samuel Muchoki, widely known as Samidoh, has publicly dismissed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that he has resigned from the National Police Service (NPS).

Speaking during an interview with Kururia TV on Friday, June 20, 2025, the artist clarified that he has never contemplated leaving his role in the disciplined forces, despite ongoing controversy surrounding his recent transfer and perceived political leanings.

The clarification comes a week after Gachagua, during an interview on Kameme FM, alleged that he had advised the singer to leave the service after he was transferred to Baringo County.

The former DP implied that continuing to serve in the police while maintaining a high-profile entertainment career was risky and unnecessary.

“Samidoh is a rich young man. He makes an average of Sh400,000 on a weekend from music performances. I asked him; should he be killed in the line of duty, whom will we be left with?” Gachagua said.

But the celebrated singer pushed back, stating that he had no such plans to quit his job.

“I have never had an intention of resigning from my job, unless you people want to put words in my mouth. However, when the time comes, we shall let things take course the way they are supposed to,” he responded.

Samidoh also insisted that he was still serving in the police force, although he acknowledged the unpredictability of his situation. “I am still serving (as a police officer). If I shall continue serving if I will be given that chance. However, if it proves difficult…” he said, remaining cautiously open to any developments.

Facing accusations of absconding duty

The ongoing row was sparked after a letter from the National Police Service surfaced, accusing the artist of absconding duty for failing to report to his new duty station in Baringo. This prompted a firm response from the singer, who claimed he had travelled abroad with proper authorization.

“I have returned to Kenya to prove that I had not absconded duty. Everyone saw that I had sought for permission to travel abroad,” he said.

In Mt Kenya, where he enjoys massive popularity, Samidoh has increasingly been viewed as the cultural face of the opposition aligned with Rigathi Gachagua, especially after several popular musicians from the region crossed over to support the government.

Samidoh enroute to Houston, Texas, where he is scheduled to perform today,21 June, 2025. Photo/Samidoh

His troubles within the police service are believed to have begun when fans pressured him to chant the slogan “Wantam” — a phrase popularized by the Opposition to campaign for President Ruto to serve only one term.

Despite this, Samidoh reiterated his law-abiding nature, saying, “I am a law-abiding citizen and I have wronged no one.” He also voiced pride in his police background: “I have come from very far with that job. It’s not easy to run for ten kilometres, in broad sunlight, when shirtless. If God has seen that my time to serve the service has come to an end, who am I to oppose that?”

Political ambitions

As for his transfer to Baringo, Samidoh said the matter is still under consideration, and he would be consulting both family and community before making a final decision.

“I am consulting with my family. After discussing with my family, I shall escalate it to my clan, then we shall hear what the community (the Kikuyus) wants. If the community says I go, I shall. If they decline, I shall abide because I am at their service,” he remarked.

The singer’s growing influence in the Mt Kenya region has positioned him as a potential political force, with speculation rife that he may contest the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat in 2027. He has even adopted the nickname “Ol Joro Orok 1,” signaling possible ambitions.

Currently on a US tour, Samidoh has continued to balance his music career and burgeoning political image. He is slated to perform at the Ngemi Festival, a major Kikuyu music event, in Seattle on July 12. Other scheduled performances include shows in Dallas, Texas, and Boston.

While in the US, Samidoh also met former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, who has declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027.

The meeting fueled more speculation about Samidoh’s future in public life, especially as he becomes a symbolic figure of the opposition’s resurgence in Mt Kenya, where the government has been winning over several regional artists.

Musicians like Karangu Muraya, Ngaruiya Junior, and Kamande wa Kioi have recently aligned themselves with President Ruto’s administration and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. In contrast, Samidoh has maintained a distance.