Controversy Surrounds Samidoh's US Travel Amid Arrest Warrant and Leaked Documents

The situation concerning Kenyan police officer and Mugithi singer Samuel Muchoki, widely known as Samidoh, has become increasingly complex following an order for his immediate arrest by the National Police Service (NPS) for alleged desertion of duty. This directive, issued on Tuesday, June 10, contrasts sharply with newly emerged details suggesting that Samidoh's travel to the United States had been officially approved.
According to the NPS, Samidoh was accused of being absent from his duty post for 10 days, starting from May 27, 2025. This followed his recent redeployment to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil. The NPS subsequently declared him a deserter and initiated measures for his arrest.
However, the narrative took a significant turn when a document, reportedly a leave approval, was leaked to the public. This document indicates that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had authorized Samidoh's private visit to the United States of America. The approval, referenced under letter Ref: NPS/APS/ADM/1/31/VOL X1/47 and dated April 25, 2025, granted Samidoh permission to be out of the country.
The leaked official correspondence specified that Officer Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu (Samidoh) was permitted to leave Kenya on May 20, 2025, and was scheduled to return on June 9, 2025. The document further clarified that all travel and accommodation expenses for this private visit would be met privately by the officer. The clearance for travel was reportedly provided following a request from the Deputy Inspector General, Administration Police Service, indicating adherence to protocol for officers seeking international travel.
Under the National Police Service Act, desertion from the police force is a serious offense, which could lead to severe consequences, including dismissal from service or imprisonment for a term of up to two years. The conflicting information regarding Samidoh's absence has thus placed his career and legal standing in a precarious position.
The controversy has also been fueled by activities on social media. Musician Joyce Wa Mamaa, a friend and tour partner of Samidoh, shared a cryptic post with three heartbroken emojis, leading to speculation among fans about Samidoh's well-being. Samidoh and Wa Mamaa had recently toured the UK, after which Samidoh traveled to the US to be with his family and for an upcoming Ngemi concert. Some fans wondered if Wa Mamaa's post was related to Samidoh or the recent death of X influencer Albert Ojwang, whose autopsy results, ruling out police claims of self-inflicted injuries and suggesting assault, were released around the same time.
Adding another layer to the situation, Samidoh was involved in an online exchange with nominated Senator Karen Nyamu. Nyamu made comments potentially linking Samidoh to rogue police officers while discussing the Albert Ojwang case. Samidoh responded by stating that her words lacked emotional intelligence and that he would not give her further attention. Amidst these developments, some members of the public have advised Samidoh to consider resigning from the police force to focus entirely on his apparently more lucrative music career.