| Written by Joyce Nzomo |
Popular Kikuyu musician and Administration Police Constable Samuel Ndirangu Muchoki, famously known as Samidoh, has been granted anticipatory bail of Sh200,000 by the High Court, effectively blocking his arrest over allegations of desertion of duty.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, July 25, 2025, Justice Diana Kavedza of the Kibera High Court directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) not to arrest or detain Samidoh during the ongoing investigations.
The judge noted that Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom and protection from arbitrary arrest, including officers of the law.
She further directed Samidoh to deposit his passport in court as part of the bail conditions.
Justice Kavedza clarified that the police and other relevant authorities are at liberty to investigate or charge Samidoh if there is sufficient evidence of criminal conduct.
However, she stated that any future steps must adhere strictly to due process. Should the investigating authorities decide to charge him, they must notify Samidoh of where and when to appear to take plea, without subjecting him to arrest or detention.
The judge emphasized that the court is presently satisfied that there exists a demonstrable and imminent threat to his liberty, hence the need to grant the anticipatory bail.
In his application, Samidoh explained that he has served in the National Police Service (NPS) since January 12, 2013, and that on June 17, 2025, he formally applied for retirement under the “10–22 Rule” as provided in Section 76(3) of the NPS Act.
He stated that before filing the retirement request, he had travelled to the United States to attend his child’s graduation, a trip he claims was approved by the NPS.
While abroad, he learned that a warrant of arrest had been issued against him on grounds of desertion, alleging that he had absconded duty without authorization.
Upon learning of the warrant, Samidoh said he returned to Kenya on June 17, submitted his retirement request, and was duly cleared by the NPS before returning to the US. He is scheduled to travel back to Kenya on July 25, 2025.
He argued that the warrant was both unjustified and malicious, noting that his travel had been officially sanctioned and that the National Police Service’s actions amounted to harassment and abuse of power.
Samidoh further claimed that the move to arrest him was driven by ulterior motives, including alleged retaliation for his political views and criticism of government, which he believes were disguised as disciplinary action.
He maintained that he is a law-abiding citizen, fully willing to cooperate with lawful procedures.
Justice Kavedza concluded that the court must ensure any restriction of liberty is not only legally justified but also procedurally sound.
For now, Samidoh remains a free man, protected by the court from what he terms a politically motivated abuse of police power.
