Samidoh, the popular Kenyan mugithi musician and serving police officer, has addressed accusations that he deserted his duties in the National Police Service. A letter dated April 25, 2025, shows that he had official clearance to travel to the United States for a private visit between May 20 and June 9, 2025.
The clearance was signed by Mathew Kutoh on behalf of the Inspector General of Police. It confirms that Samidoh, whose full name is Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, was authorized to travel abroad, with all expenses for the trip covered privately. This letter appears to contradict claims that he left his post without permission.
However, a report from the police, accessed by Citizen Digital, suggests otherwise. It states that Samidoh failed to report back to duty on May 27, days after his leave was initially scheduled to end.
According to the report, he has not been seen or heard from since then, prompting disciplinary proceedings under the National Police Service Act.
The Act, under Section 94(1), categorizes absence from duty for over ten days without leave or valid reason as desertion. If found guilty, an officer could face dismissal or up to two years in prison. Section 94(3) reinforces that desertion is a criminal offense under police regulations.
Samidoh is currently attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil, following a recent transfer from the Central Region Police Headquarters. Although the reason for the transfer hasn’t been made public, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed during a press briefing on May 28 that such personnel changes are standard and administrative.
As the matter develops, the authenticity of Samidoh’s travel clearance and the timeline of his leave are expected to be central to any ongoing internal investigations or disciplinary action.
By Risper Akinyi