NAIROBI, Kenya — Samidoh Muchoki, the celebrated Mugithi music sensation, finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes standoff with his employer, the Kenya Police Service, weeks after his performances took a controversial turn, openly embracing opposition-aligned political slogans and inciting crowds with anti-government choruses.
Once the undisputed musical heavyweight in the Kikuyu genre, Samidoh has now been declared a pariah by police authorities, with a warrant reportedly issued for his arrest following allegations of desertion of duty and failure to report back to his station in Gilgil.
The self-effacing star, whose musical influence is immense, first drew the attention of government watchdogs after seamlessly weaving anti-establishment sentiments into his live shows. This subtle shift was largely inspired by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s viral political catchphrases.
Samidoh cleverly incorporated these chants into his performances, electrifying audiences and creating a stir across online platforms. What may have begun as a playful gimmick, a seemingly innocuous stage prop to energize crowds and tap into trending sounds, quickly evolved into a powerful and embraced element of his concerts, underscoring the potency of the political messaging.
The slogan that seemingly most irked the authorities was ‘Wantam’ (meaning ‘one term’), a now-ubiquitous chant popularized by Gachagua, which galvanized masses in areas like Githurai 45 and triggered a flurry of TikTok challenges.
The chant pointedly suggests that President William Ruto will not secure a second term in office.
A video clip from around May 16, reportedly filmed at an undisclosed Thika nightclub, captured Samidoh animatedly leading revelers in chanting ‘Wantam,’ all while insolently strumming his guitar and flashing a wry smile at the charged crowd.
In the immediate aftermath of the video’s viral spread, the National Police Service, Samidoh’s employer, moved swiftly to rein in the superstar and address his apparent, and rather conspicuous, dissent.
The sought-after singer, who holds the rank of police constable, was promptly transferred from his post at the Central Region Police Headquarters in Nairobi to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil.
The NPS viewed the singer’s actions as a potential breach of regulations that strictly mandate political neutrality from its officers. While the transfer to ASTU Gilgil marked the initial disciplinary action, sources hinted at the possibility of more severe penalties, including a formal warning, demotion, or even dismissal from the police force, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
Even before these official repercussions, Samidoh had already stirred considerable speculation with a cryptic message posted to his Facebook page. The message alluded to the possibility of a “hit job” while simultaneously expressing gratitude for his blessings.
It read: “In case I die unexpectedly, or before my time, I want you to know that I have lived a full and good life. Allah gave me an opportunity to travel the world, see nature at its best, meet incredible humans I was fortunate enough to share a moment with them.”
Despite his deployment to a reportedly more challenging work environment, Samidoh, ever the rebel, continued his controversial streak. He was soon recorded leading yet another late-night revelry in chanting the exasperating ‘Wantam’ chorus, further compounding his troubles and leaving the internet stunned.
Adding another layer to his ongoing workplace issues, the self-appointed prince of Mugithi then embarked on an international music tour and a family trip to visit his estranged wife in the United States.
While abroad, Samidoh’s defiant antics persisted. At a London show, he provocatively asked a zestful crowd, ‘Ati Mnasemaje?’ (What are you saying?), to which they unanimously roared: “Wantam!”
In the US, the bold displays continued, with Samidoh even donning a white t-shirt emblazoned with Gachagua’s freshest slogan, ‘Hi Cousins.’
To further amplify his growing notoriety, he ensured he wore the matching t-shirt with his US-based sidekick, Bernice Saroni, sharing a collaborative post on Instagram.
Eventually, exhausted by his public online antics, blatant defiance, and persistent absence from work, the National Police Service escalated their disciplinary action against their errant officer. In an unprecedented move, they declared that they were actively seeking Samidoh, intending to arrest him for absconding duty.
A police report reviewed by Vivid Voice News indicates that Samidoh, attached to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), failed to resume duty on May 27 following the expiration of his official leave.
“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” the report states.
Also Read: Gachagua’s ‘One Term’ remark goes viral, inspires ‘Wantam’ musical parodies and online memes
According to the document, the officer’s absence from duty for over ten days without permission or just cause has triggered disciplinary proceedings. Police officers in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County – his home village – have reportedly been instructed to arrest him on sight.
Still, a seemingly unperturbed Samidoh appears to be taking the entire situation in stride. He continues to frolic in the United States, fraternize with his kin, stage performances, and, as evident on his Instagram page, even pose next to a George Floyd mural.
Despite dominating local headlines, the singer, currently enjoying his time abroad, has not addressed concerns over his whereabouts or offered any explanation to his fans or, crucially, his employer, for his two-week absence from work.
As this captivating spectacle continues to electrify fans, many are left wondering if the singer, who has amassed significant wealth in his illustrious career, has finally chosen to bid farewell to his police career.
If so, questions linger about the authorities’ next steps concerning a figure whose social eminence and financial standing might render him largely unbothered by official sanctions.
