NAIROBI, Kenya- Mugithi musician Samidoh has defended his decision to contest the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat, saying his career in music should not overshadow his previous experience as a police officer, education and plans for the constituency.
Samidoh, who recently announced his candidature, said he had taken time to consider public reaction to his political ambitions, particularly questions over whether a musician could effectively serve in Parliament.
“How can a Mugithi artist go to Parliament?” he said, framing the question as one he was prepared to answer.
The musician said those questioning his candidature were focusing on only one chapter of his life while overlooking his earlier career in the National Police Service.
‘Before I became a Mugithi artist, I was a police officer’
Samidoh said he previously served as a police officer and was deployed to challenging areas, including Garissa and Mpeketoni, where he described the working environment as demanding.
He said his experience in the police service taught him about public service, responsibility and the importance of protecting communities.
“Before I became a Mugithi artist, I was a police officer,” he said.
Samidoh also highlighted his academic background, saying he comes from an ordinary family, pursued his education and earned a university degree before building a career in music.
His music career, he said, has allowed him to travel across Kenya and internationally, interact with people from different communities and build networks that he believes could be turned into opportunities for residents of Ol Joro Orok.
Samidoh: Judge me beyond music
The musician urged voters to assess him based on his character, experience, record and vision, rather than the profession that made him famous.
“So yes, I am a Mugithi artist. But that is not the entirety of who I am,” he said.
He said his campaign would focus on practical issues affecting residents, particularly education, vocational training, youth empowerment, talent development and constituency development.
On education, Samidoh said he wants to discuss practical ways of improving access and supporting students rather than simply pointing to his university degree.
He also wants greater emphasis on technical and vocational skills, arguing that young people should acquire skills capable of helping them earn sustainable livelihoods.
Talent at centre of his campaign
Given his experience in the entertainment industry, Samidoh said talent development would be one of the areas he intends to champion if elected.
He argued that his experience travelling through Kenya and abroad as an artist had exposed him to opportunities that could benefit young people if proper structures were established.
“Let us discuss what I have learnt from traversing Kenya and the world through my own talent, and how we can build structures that allow the young people of Ol Joro Orok to turn their talents into sustainable careers,” he said.
He also pledged to focus on youth empowerment and improving access to available opportunities.
On development, Samidoh said an MP’s role should include advocating for the needs of constituents and ensuring that Ol Joro Orok receives its fair share of national resources.
‘I am not asking you to elect me because I sing’
Samidoh said he was not seeking the seat simply because of his popularity as a musician.
“I am not asking the people of Ol Joro Orok to elect me because I sing,” he said.
Instead, he urged residents to scrutinise his ideas, character and experience before deciding whether he deserves their support.
He said he welcomed criticism and public debate surrounding his candidature.
“The music is my profession. Service is my calling. Ol Joro Orok is my home. And representation is the responsibility I am seeking,” he said.
Samidoh said he would release more details of his political agenda in the coming days as he seeks to convince voters in Ol Joro Orok that his experience can translate into effective parliamentary representation.
