In a dramatic turn of events , the National Police Service (NPS) has officially declared celebrated Mugithi singer Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, a deserter.
In a confidential circular dated June 9, 2025, and now leaked to the public, the NPS has not only stopped his salary but also ordered for his arrest, accusing the popular artist of abandoning his post at the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), where he served as an Administration Police Constable.
According to the internal memo referenced B/EST/M21/VOL.VI/74, Samidoh, who held the rank of APG under Service Number 247569/2013040010, was granted off-duty leave and was expected to report back on May 27, 2025. However, the officer never returned and has since disappeared without official communication.
“He has now absented himself without leave for a period of more than 10 days and is hereby declared a DESERTER w.e.f 06/06/2025,” the memo states.
The directive, signed by S.M. Barasa on behalf of the Commandant of ASTU, has been dispatched to key police departments across the country, including Vigilance House, Gilgil Stockpol, and all Station Commanders (STAPOLs). Officers in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua West — Samidoh’s home area — have been instructed to visit his residence and arrest him if found.
Ironically, while police are hunting for him locally, Samidoh has been very active on social media, posting updates from his ongoing tour in the United States of America. The Mugithi icon has shared images of himself spending time with family and interacting with Kenyan fans abroad.
But it was one particular post that has stirred public debate and speculation over his state of mind. On Sunday, Samidoh posted a photo of himself posing with a portrait of George Floyd — the African-American man whose 2020 death sparked global protests against police brutality. The caption he added was pointed and poetic:
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not to themselves! ~Abaram Lincoln.”
The misquoted yet striking reference to Abraham Lincoln has fueled public speculation, with many interpreting it as a veiled protest or symbolic act of defiance.
The post has since gone viral, with some followers praising his “boldness” and others questioning whether it signals a deeper rift between the artist and the uniformed forces he once loyally served.
While fans continue to dance to his music, the police seem ready to clamp down hard. Orders have been given to circulate his status as a deserter in the next issue of the Kenya Police Gazette, and all units countrywide are now on alert.
Whether Samidoh will return to face the music at home or remain in artistic exile remains to be seen.
