Popular Kikuyu Benga musician Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki, widely known as Samidoh, has been declared a deserter by the National Police Service (NPS) after failing to return to duty.
According to a police report accessed by Citizen Digital, Samidoh, an officer with the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) under the Administration Police, did not resume work on May 27 after his official leave ended.
The report states that Samidoh has been missing for over ten days without approved leave or a valid explanation. His current whereabouts remain unknown, prompting disciplinary measures. Police officers in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County—his hometown—have reportedly been instructed to arrest him on sight.
Under the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014), being absent without official leave for more than ten days is classified as desertion. Section 94(1) deems such absence as desertion unless proven otherwise. Furthermore, Section 94(3) outlines that a police officer who deserts service is subject to summary dismissal or imprisonment for up to two years.
Recently, Samidoh was reassigned from the Central Region Police Headquarters to ASTU in Gilgil. Although the reasons for the transfer remain unclear, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized during a May 28 press briefing that all police officers are civil servants and must adhere to routine transfers and disciplinary protocols.
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Samidoh, renowned for his unique fusion of traditional Kikuyu music and law enforcement, has also been embroiled in political discussions. During a live show on May 16, he voiced the popular opposition slogan "Wantam," sparking widespread online debate.
Shortly afterward, he was seen alongside fellow Kikuyu musicians at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s residence, where he appeared to shift his tone by supporting the constitutional two-term presidential limit.
