Beyond his captivating 'Mugithi' tunes that resonate deeply with audiences across the nation and beyond, Samidoh holds a unique distinction: he is also a dedicated police officer, serving with the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU). It is this very dual identity that has recently propelled him into a riveting public saga, one that blends celebrity intrigue with serious administrative protocol, culminating in a dramatic twist that has left fans and observers alike in a state of fascinated scrutiny.
For weeks, whispers had escalated into official reports regarding Samidoh's whereabouts, culminating in a stark claim from the National Police Service (NPS) that the celebrated artist had, in fact, deserted his duty. A police report surfaced, asserting that the officer had failed to resume work on May 27, 2025, and had been absent without leave for a period exceeding ten days. This is no minor administrative oversight within the disciplined forces; under Section 94(1) of the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014), such an absence "shall, unless the contrary is proved, be considered to have deserted from the Service." The implications are severe, with Section 94(3) further stipulating that any police officer found guilty of desertion "commits an offence and is liable on conviction to summary dismissal or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years."
The NPS, acting decisively in accordance with these provisions, wasted no time in escalating the matter. An internal police signal was issued, unequivocally declaring Samidoh a deserter. This official communication carried immediate and far-reaching consequences: efforts to trace the officer were to be intensified, his pay was to be halted with immediate effect, and local police in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County – Samidoh’s rural home – were explicitly ordered to conduct a physical visit, arrest him if found, and report back on their findings. The narrative seemed clear: a popular figure had, for reasons unknown, allegedly abandoned his solemn duties, prompting a swift and stringent response from his uniformed colleagues.
However, in a turn of events that can only be described as a dramatic reveal, Samidoh has now directly challenged the National Police Service's assertions. Breaking his silence, the musician has made public an official document that starkly contradicts the narrative of desertion. This is not a mere statement of denial; it is an official letter, dated April 25, 2025, that unequivocally confirms he was formally granted permission to travel to the United States for a private visit. The clarity of the document is striking: "Travel clearance is hereby granted to the above-named officer to travel to the United States of America for a private visit. The officer will leave the country on May 20, 2025, and return on June 9, 2025." Significantly, this clearance bears the signature of Mathew Kutoh, acting on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, lending it undeniable authority and legitimacy.
The immediate and glaring contradiction lies in the timeline. The police report claims Samidoh failed to resume work on May 27, 2025. Yet, his officially sanctioned travel clearance explicitly authorized his absence until June 9, 2025 – almost two weeks after the date he was declared absent without leave. This discrepancy transforms the situation from a clear-cut case of alleged desertion into a complex puzzle demanding immediate clarification from the authorities. The internal police report's statement, "Since then, CMM [referring to his service number] has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known," now stands in stark contrast to a signed document confirming his legal absence from the country.
This unfolding scenario also brings into focus Samidoh’s recent administrative transfer from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil. While the rationale behind such transfers is typically not disclosed, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, during a press briefing on May 28, simply stated that such administrative changes are routine across the police service. However, in light of the current controversy, the timing of this transfer and its potential implications for Samidoh’s reporting lines and responsibilities inevitably become part of the wider public discourse.
All eyes are now firmly fixed on the National Police Service to provide a comprehensive and transparent explanation. The official travel authorization, undeniably valid and signed by a senior official, directly challenges the very basis of the desertion claims and the subsequent disciplinary actions. This situation begs fundamental questions about internal communication protocols within the NPS: How was an officer with official clearance declared a deserter? Was there a breakdown in information dissemination, or is there another layer to this narrative that remains undisclosed?
The controversy surrounding Samidoh serves as a powerful reminder of the unique pressures faced by public figures who also hold public service roles. Their lives are lived under a constant, magnified scrutiny, where professional obligations intersect with personal endeavors in often unpredictable ways. Beyond the personal implications for Samidoh, this episode underscores the critical importance of clarity and accountability from public institutions. As the public demands answers, the resolution of this matter will undoubtedly be crucial for maintaining trust in the integrity of the National Police Service and for defining the nuanced relationship between celebrity status and public duty in Kenya. The stage is set, the documents are on the table, and the nation awaits the final, definitive act in this compelling unfolding drama.
