The High Court of Kenya has ordered musician and National Police Service (NPS) officer Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known as Samidoh, to deposit his passport with the court.
Samidoh, who is attached to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), was ordered on Friday, July 25, to deposit his passport after the court granted him Ksh200,000 anticipatory bail, thereby blocking his arrest over accusations of deserting duty.
The musician was recently transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the ASTU in Gilgil. Reasons for the transfer remain unclear.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had, however, in a May 28 press briefing, affirmed that all officers are subject to regular administrative and procedural changes.
In June, Samidoh released an official letter countering claims by NPS that he deserted duty.
Samidoh produces travel clearance letter after police order his arrest
He released a letter dated April 25, 2025, which showed that he was formally granted permission to travel to the United States for a private visit.
Signed by Mathew Kutoh on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, the clearance authorized his travel from May 20 to June 9, 2025.
“Travel clearance is hereby granted to the above-named officer to travel to the United States of America for a private visit. The officer will leave the country on May 20, 2025, and return on June 9, 2025,” the letter stated.
Also Read: The Story of Samidoh from Choir Leader to Celebrated Musician and Police Officer
Further, the document clarified that all travel and accommodation expenses would be met privately.
A police report, however, alleged that Samidoh failed to resume duty on May 27, following the scheduled end of his leave.
“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” part of the report read.
The report stated that the officer had been absent without permission for more than ten days, triggering disciplinary proceedings.
Such prolonged absence can be considered desertion under the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014).
“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(1) states.
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.”
Link up with former DP Gachagua in the United States
Samidoh recently toured the U.S., where he gave a memorable performance during a lively diaspora event in Seattle attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua.
The event, organized by Samidoh alongside media personality Muthoni wa Kirumba, popularly known as Baby Top, brought together members of the Kenyan diaspora for an evening of music and political engagement.
Also Read: Letter Granting Samidoh Permission to Leave Country Surfaces
Speaking in Kikuyu, Samidoh welcomed the leaders and expressed gratitude for Gachagua’s presence.
“Your Excellency, we usually listen to what you say and get targeted. But if that’s the case, then it’s the Seattle Declaration,” he said before performing.
During his address, former DP Gachagua praised Samidoh’s talent and the cultural significance of Mt Kenya music, but cautioned artists against being used to campaign for government policies or projects.
“Our great son Samidoh is here. We really love his music. The other day, they were trying to coerce these musicians to go and sing to them and lie to the people of Kenya,” he said.
“And I told them—that’s not your work. Your job is to sing for us so that we can sleep well. To entertain us when we are relaxing.”
On July 12, Gachagua and Karua also attended another concert headlined by Samidoh, still in Seattle.
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