Musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known by his stage name Samidoh, has disputed claims by the National Police Service (NPS) that he absconded duty, presenting an official document approving his travel abroad.
In a letter dated April 25, 2025, Samidoh stated he had been granted permission to travel to the United States for a private visit. The document, signed by Mathew Kutoh on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, approved his travel from May 20 to June 9, 2025.
“Travel clearance is hereby granted to the above-named officer to travel to the United States of America for a private visit,” the letter reads, noting that the officer would leave the country on May 20 and return on June 9. The letter further clarified that all expenses would be met personally.
Despite this, a report by police, seen by Citizen Digital, claimed that Samidoh failed to report back to duty on May 27, which was marked as the end of his leave. The report indicated his current whereabouts are unknown.
“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” the report noted, referring to Samidoh by his service initials.
The alleged absence, now beyond the 10-day mark, has reportedly triggered disciplinary procedures.
According to the National Police Service Act (Chapter 84, Revised 2014), absence without permission for over ten days qualifies as desertion, unless proven otherwise. Section 94(1) stipulates:
“A police officer who absents himself from duty without leave or just cause for a period exceeding ten days shall, unless the contrary is proved, be considered to have deserted from the Service.”
Section 94(3) outlines the consequences, stating that a police officer found guilty of desertion could face summary dismissal or up to two years in prison upon conviction.
Samidoh, who is currently attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) under the Administration Police Service, was recently transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to Gilgil. While the rationale behind the transfer was not disclosed, Inspector General Douglas Kanja, speaking at a May 28 press conference, affirmed that such movements are part of routine administrative decisions within the police service.
