Mugithi star Samuel Muchoki, famously known as Samidoh, has officially resigned from the National Police Service (NPS). After 12 years of service in uniform, including stints in the regular police and the elite Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the celebrated artist is now free to dedicate his full attention to his thriving career on the stage. This decision, accepted by Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, not only marks a significant career pivot but also brings an end to a series of high-profile controversies that have defined his recent years in uniform.
Samidoh's police career had been a subject of intense public scrutiny, often overshadowed by his rising fame. His personal life, particularly his marital drama, was a frequent topic of tabloid headlines, but it was his political leanings that caused the most friction with his employers. A viral video of him chanting the opposition-linked "wantam" slogan angered senior officers and led to a transfer to the ASTU. The NPS then moved to charge him with desertion, a case that Samidoh himself argued was politically motivated. The court documents revealed a complex web of events, where he had been granted official clearance to travel to the US for performances even as police chiefs pressed their charges. His resignation effectively brings this legal and professional conflict to a close.
The timing of his departure is particularly notable. It comes against the backdrop of political tensions in the Mt Kenya region, with some musicians being accused of betraying their political allies. The ongoing feud between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, over which politicians musicians should associate with, highlights the intricate dance between artists and politics. Samidoh's own public re-engagement with Gachagua during a US tour, where he once again led the "wantam" chants, underscored his political independence and his willingness to defy government-sanctioned narratives.
While Samidoh has yet to publicly address his resignation, the move speaks volumes. It's a statement of autonomy, a declaration that his artistic career and political views are no longer secondary to his professional obligations as a police officer. It frees him from the constraints of a career that had become a source of conflict and allows him to fully embrace his role as a public figure and a voice for his fans.
