Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, famously known as Samidoh, has officially resigned from the National Police Service (NPS) after 12 years of service. Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed his exit, stating that Samidoh’s resignation took effect on July 20, 2025. Kanja informed the press that the service accepted Samidoh’s letter, bringing an end to his tenure as a police officer and allowing him to fully pursue his personal ambitions, particularly his flourishing music career. The Inspector General added that the service respected Samidoh’s decision and wished him well in his new path, emphasizing, “He is free to pursue his passion.”

Samidoh’s journey in the uniformed service began in 2013 when he joined the Administration Police (AP) service. As Constable Muchoki, bearing badge number 112282, the young man from Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County, sought the stability and honor of a career path once trodden by his late father, who was also an officer. His early years in the service were marked by challenging postings, including Dadaab and later Eastleigh in Nairobi. These demanding assignments, amidst sprawling refugee camps and the threat of cross-border insecurity, were instrumental in honing the discipline for which he became known.

Despite his commitment to police duties, another passion burned brightly: music. Samidoh embarked on his musical journey as a backup vocalist for veteran Mugithi artist Kamande wa Kioi, where he learned the craft, mastered the guitar, and found his unique voice. This dual life as both an entertainer and an officer, however, was not without controversy. His frequent performances and international tours occasionally clashed with his police obligations, leading to friction with his superiors.

The controversy intensified after accusations of abandoning duty and engaging in political activities, both of which are offenses under police regulations. Earlier in the year, a clip emerged showing him entertaining a crowd chanting “Wantam,” a slogan associated with opposition to President William Ruto’s re-election bid. Following this incident, Samidoh was reassigned to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil, and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him.

In response to the accusations, Samidoh sought legal recourse by moving to the High Court, where he secured anticipatory bail to protect himself from arrest. His defense included presenting an official letter signed by Mathew Kutoh, a senior police administrator, which granted him permission to travel to the United States between May 20 and June 9, 2025. This crucial evidence contradicted the claims that he had deserted his duties without authorization. Had he remained in the force, he risked penalties such as a fine, reprimand, or dismissal through the disciplinary process, but his resignation effectively ended the standoff.

With his official exit from the police service, Samidoh is now free to concentrate entirely on his flourishing Mugithi career, which has garnered a significant global audience. His growing influence as one of Kenya’s most recognized Mugithi performers, commanding huge crowds both locally and abroad, has also sparked speculation about a potential foray into political office in the near future. While he has yet to comment publicly on his next moves, his resignation closes one significant chapter of his life while opening new and expansive possibilities in both entertainment and, potentially, politics.