Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known as Samidoh, has defended his decision to seek the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat, saying his music career should not determine whether he can serve as an MP.
Samidoh made the remarks in a statement on August 26, after his candidature attracted questions and mixed reactions, particularly over whether his background as a musician qualifies him for political leadership.
He said critics were focusing on one chapter of his life while overlooking his previous career in the Kenya Police Service, his education, and the experiences he gained through his music career.
Before I became a Mugithi artist, I was a police officer.I took an oath to serve, protect life and property, uphold the law and restore order. I served this country and was deployed to some of the most demanding environments, areas like Garissa , Mpeketoni and others where environment is bit harsh,” stated Samidoh.
Samidoh said his police career exposed him to different environments and reinforced his understanding of service, responsibility, and the challenges ordinary Kenyans face.
Samidoh Turns ‘One Term’ Battle into MP Bid
Samidoh announced his candidature for the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat on August 19, saying his decision stemmed from his connection to the constituency and his desire to participate directly in leadership and decision-making.
Also Read: Kenyan-Born Politician Wins American Primary in Bid for State Representative Seat
The musician described Ol Joro Orok as his home and said his journey from a difficult childhood, through the Kenya Police Service and into music, had shaped his desire to serve.
Samidoh also linked his political ambitions to his experience with the “One Term” campaign, through which he used music to raise questions about leadership and accountability.
“My experience with One Term was particularly significant. I used music to raise questions about leadership and accountability. The response I received, including the attempts to silence me, only strengthened my conviction that citizens must be able to speak freely about the leadership of their country. I had to leave behind a career my police service carreet that I had sworn never to abandon,” stated Samidoh.
He said the experience convinced him that speaking about change through music was not enough and that he wanted to participate in the institutions where laws are made and leaders are held accountable.
Education was among the major issues he highlighted in his initial announcement. He said he wanted to reduce the financial pressure on families, expand vocational and technical training, and create more opportunities for young people.
The musician also identified infrastructure, agriculture, small businesses, and talent development as areas he would seek to address if elected.
Critics Question Music-to-Politics Transition
The announcement drew mixed reactions online, with some supporters encouraging Samidoh while others questioned whether his celebrity status would translate into effective leadership.
One Kenyan, Dun Maish, argued that celebrity status did not automatically make someone a transformative leader.
“The irrational voters of Ol Joro Orok will vote you in. And then they will regret why they voted for a clueless MP,” Maish wrote, while questioning whether Samidoh’s popularity was enough to qualify him for elective office.
Leiyan Asmond encouraged Samidoh to continue with music even if he wins the parliamentary seat, arguing that the career had given him a voice and connected him with millions of fans.
Patrick Kyalo also backed his ambitions, pointing to Samidoh’s experience in law enforcement and suggesting that his background could be useful in legislative leadership.
John Wainaina, however, questioned whether being a musician provided the experience required to become an effective legislator, urging him to concentrate on his music career.
Also Read: Full List of Women Eyeing the Nairobi Woman Rep Seat in 2027
Samidoh Says Voters Should Judge His Record
Responding to the criticism, Samidoh said he did not expect voters to support him simply because he is famous.
He instead urged residents to examine his character, experience, record and vision and assess what he intends to deliver for Ol Joro Orok.
His proposed agenda includes improving access to education, expanding vocational training, developing youth talent and connecting young people to economic opportunities.
Samidoh also said his travels across Kenya and abroad have allowed him to interact with different communities and build networks he believes could help create opportunities for residents of his home constituency.
“I am not asking the people of Ol Joro Orok to elect me because I sing. I am asking you to listen to what I intend to do, examine my character and experience, interrogate my ideas, and then make your judgment,” he said.
He maintained that his music career was only one part of his identity and urged residents to debate the substance of his political agenda rather than his celebrity status.
“The music is my profession. Service is my calling. Ol Joro Orok is my home. And representation is the responsibility I am seeking,” Samidoh said.
He said he would continue unveiling his political vision and the specific issues he intends to champion as he seeks to convince Ol Joro Orok voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
