Samidoh produces travel clearance letter after police order his arrest

Musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known as Samidoh, has released an official letter countering claims by the National Police Service (NPS) that he deserted duty.

Samidoh, who is attached to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), released a letter dated April 25, 2025, showing that he was formally granted permission to travel to the United States for a private visit. The clearance, signed by Mathew Kutoh on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, authorized 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 officer will leave the country on May 20, 2025, and return on June 9, 2025,” the letter states.

The document further clarifies that all travel and accommodation expenses would be met privately.

However, a police report seen by Citizen Digital alleges that Samidoh failed to resume duty on May 27, following the scheduled end of his leave.

“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” the report reads.

According to the report, the officer has now been absent without permission for more than ten days, triggering disciplinary proceedings.

Under the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014), such prolonged absence can be considered desertion. Section 94(1) states: “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) adds: “Any police officer who deserts from the Service commits an offence and is liable on conviction to summary dismissal or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.”

Samidoh was recently transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the ASTU in Gilgil. While the reasons for the transfer remain unclear, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in a May 28 press briefing, affirmed that all officers are subject to regular administrative and procedural changes.