POLICE DECLARE MUSICIAN SAMIDOH A DESERTER, ISSUE ARREST ORDER

Renowned musician Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, is wanted by authorities after the National Police Service (NPS) accused him of desertion. 

Samidoh, a member of the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), reportedly failed to return to duty after his authorised leave ended on May 27.

An official police report states that the officer has been missing since then, with no information on his current location. His unauthorised absence, exceeding 10 days, violates police regulations, prompting disciplinary measures. 

Officers in Nyandarua County’s Gatumbiro area Samidoh’s hometown have been directed to arrest him if located. The National Police Service Act (2014) classifies desertion as a criminal offense. According to Section 94(1), an officer who is absent without leave or justification for over ten days is presumed to have deserted. Under Section 94(3), deserters face penalties ranging from summary dismissal to a maximum two-year prison sentence upon conviction.

Samidoh was recently reassigned from the Central Region Police Headquarters to ASTU’s Gilgil unit. Although the reasons for his transfer remain undisclosed, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said during a May 28 press conference that all officers must comply with standard administrative protocols, including transfers.

“These officers are civil servants and are subject to regulations and procedures, including transfers. If an officer is one of us, he can be subjected to those conditions and might be transferred,” he said.

The musician has recently been embroiled in political debates. During a live performance on May 16, he vocalised the opposition slogan ‘Wantam,’ sparking mixed reactions online.