Musician and Police Officer Samidoh Declared a Deserter, Faces Arrest

The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered the arrest of singer Samuel Muchoki, popular as Samidoh, who is also a police officer attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil in Nakuru County.

NPS says Samidoh, who is currently in the US according to recent posts on his social media platforms, has deserted duty in his Gilgil station since at least May 27, 2025, with his bosses claiming his whereabouts have remained unknown to them.

Samidoh’s commander says the singer was granted leave but has not returned to work, having extended his time off, reportedly without any notification, for over 10 days, thereby being declared a deserter.

“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” the report states.

“The officer was granted an off-duty and was supposed to report back on May 27, 2025, but he failed. Since then, he has not been seen and his whereabouts are not known,” the memo states.

The document further reveals that the officer has been absent for more than ten days without official leave or a valid explanation, prompting disciplinary measures.

Police officers in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County, his home village, have reportedly been directed to arrest him on sight if located.

Under the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014), desertion is a punishable offence. Section 94(1) of the Act states: “A police officer who absents himself from duty without leave or just cause for a period exceeding ten days shall, unless the contrary is proved, be considered to have deserted from the Service.”

Section 94(3) adds: “Any police officer who deserts from the Service commits an offence and is liable on conviction to summary dismissal or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.”

Samidoh was recently transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the ASTU based in Gilgil. While the reasons for the transfer remain unclear, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in a May 28 press briefing, emphasized that all officers are subject to routine administrative changes.

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

Samidoh, who has built a reputation for balancing his musical career with law enforcement duties, has also recently found himself in the political spotlight.

Samidoh’s salary has also been withheld effective immediately.

Samidoh’s troubles started after being recorded leading his fans in singing ‘wantam’ in one of his recent shows, an act the NPS said was in contravention of the Service Standing Orders (SSO).

This led to him being transferred from the central region police headquarters to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil.