Kenyan musician and police officer Samidoh Muchoki is facing legal trouble after returning from the United States, where he had attended his child’s graduation and spent time with family.
While he was away, a warrant of arrest was issued against him. He was accused of deserting duty from his post at Gilgil Police Station on May 27, 2025.
Samidoh went to court to stop the arrest. He said the warrant was issued in bad faith and claimed it was politically motivated. He explained that his trip had been approved and that he had also applied for retirement before leaving the country. Despite this, he was still accused of desertion.
The High Court in Kibera agreed that there was a real threat to his freedom and granted Samidoh Ksh 200,000 anticipatory bail. The court ruled that he should not be arrested or detained unless he is officially charged. If charges are brought, he must be told which court to appear in.
In his case, Samidoh listed several top police officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and officers at JKIA. His lawyers said the arrest was an abuse of police powers since his leave had already been approved.
As part of the court’s decision, Samidoh must surrender his passport, meaning he cannot leave Kenya unless given permission. This may affect his music career, especially his international shows.
Samidoh has been in the police service since 2013. If the desertion claims are upheld, his 12 years of service could be at risk—even though he had already been cleared to retire in June 2025.
The case will be mentioned again in court on September 16, 2025. For now, Samidoh is free but under close legal watch as he juggles his music, public image, and long-standing police career.
By Vivian K.