NAIROBI, Kenya – Mugithi star and serving police officer Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, is now under court orders to surrender his passport after being accused of deserting duty by the National Police Service (NPS).
The directive was issued by the High Court on Friday, July 25, even as the singer continues to entertain fans in the United States.
The court also granted Samidoh anticipatory bail of Ksh200,000, shielding him from immediate arrest amid growing tension between his rising music stardom and his responsibilities in uniform.
Samidoh has been on an overseas tour, performing at Kenyan diaspora events across the U.S., most notably the inaugural Ngemi Cia Ruraya Kikuyu cultural festival in Seattle, Washington.
The event saw high-profile guests in attendance, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua.
Samidoh didn’t just make a cameo—he was front and center, belting out fan favorites to cheering crowds and sharing vibrant photos and videos online.
According to an internal report from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil, Samidoh was officially redeployed there in May 2025. He was supposed to report back from leave on May 27.
When he didn’t show up—and remained missing for more than 10 days—he was formally declared a deserter by June 6. The ASTU commandant confirmed efforts to trace the officer-musician had failed, prompting a formal alert to NPS.
The National Police Service responded by recommending immediate disciplinary action, citing absence without leave as a serious breach.
The High Court’s ruling serves as both a warning and a window. While Samidoh won’t be arrested immediately, he’ll have to address the claims and face potential disciplinary hearings once he returns to Kenya.
