The High Court has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to preserve forensic evidence in the sexual assault case involving popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh.
In its ruling, the court also barred Samidoh from contacting, threatening, or intimidating the complainant in any way as investigations proceed.
The case stems from a petition filed by a Kenyan-American woman, identified in court documents as M.R.W., who accuses Samidoh of raping her on November 28, 2021, during his music tour in the United States.
Key Developments
The petitioner, through her lawyer Sunday Memba, argued that her rights continue to be violated and that digital evidence is at risk of being tampered with.
Her lawyers told the court that section 41 of the Sexual Offences Act makes certain sexual offences committed abroad triable in Kenya “as if committed within its territory,” a point they use to press for action locally despite the alleged offence occurring in the U.S.
The immediate court orders, including the preservation of forensic/digital evidence and a directive preventing contact or intimidation, are conservatory measures intended to stop interference with evidence and to protect the complainant while submissions and international evidence requests are pursued.
“…. pending the hearing and determination of the instant Application, an interim non-contactand non-interference order is hereby issued restraining the Interested Party, whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns, from contacting, intimidating, harassing or otherwise interfering …”
M.R.W. says she preserved audio recordings in which the musician allegedly admits the act and that she reported the incident to Kenya’s DCI in November 2023.
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M.R.W is now asking the High Court to compel the DCI and other state agencies to secure and preserve evidence from the U.S., protect her and her witnesses, and investigate the complaint.
The response of DCI and other state organs, regarding their ability to obtain U.S. records and secure digital/audio material for admissibility in Kenya, will shape not only the prospects of this petition but also set a practical precedent for similar cross-border complaints.
Response by Samidoh
Samidoh has not issued a full public denial but instead posted a cryptic message on social media about not bowing to threats and has otherwise been largely silent.
The post did not mention the complainant or the case by name, but was widely interpreted as a response to the legal action against him.
The High Court’s directions mean the DCI must now report its compliance and steps taken to secure the requested evidence, and the case will proceed through the Nairobi High Court process while any international evidence-gathering occurs.
The case is set for mention in the coming weeks, when the court will review the DCI’s progress and determine whether further orders are needed.
If sufficient evidence is secured and deemed admissible, the matter could proceed to formal charges against Samidoh, marking a high-profile test of Kenya’s ability to prosecute cross-border sexual offence cases.
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With his police career behind him, Samidoh has now fully embraced his music journey, drawing large audiences both locally and internationally.
But the recent controversies may affect his brand appeal, especially with corporate sponsors and event organizers who prefer artists with clean reputations.
Many fans have defended Samidoh, especially on social media, praising his wit and resilience.
His music remains deeply rooted in Kikuyu traditions, and fans in the diaspora continue to support his tours and releases, viewing him as a cultural ambassador.
The rape case has sparked concern among fans, with some urging him to stay in the U.S. for safety, while others have distanced themselves until the matter is resolved.
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