Samidoh Transferred in Police Reshuffle After ‘Wantam’ Song Sparks Controversy

NAIROBI, Kenya – Popular Mugithi musician and career police officer Samuel Muchoki, known professionally as Samidoh, has been transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil following a controversial performance where audience members chanted “Wantam,” a politically charged slogan advocating for a one-term presidency for President William Ruto.

The transfer, confirmed by a highly placed source at the National Police Service (NPS), is part of disciplinary measures initiated after video of the May 16 performance sparked concerns among police commanders at Jogoo House.

The controversy

The incident began when a video of Samidoh performing at an entertainment venue went viral on social media.

In the clip, audience members are heard chanting “Wantam,” a term popularized by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024.

The phrase, a corruption of “one term,” has become a rallying cry for President Ruto’s political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NPS, which prohibits officers from engaging in political activities, viewed Samidoh’s involvement in the performance as a potential breach of Service Standing Orders (SSO).

A senior officer, speaking to a local newspaper, revealed that police commanders discussed the matter on May 18 and resolved to transfer Samidoh as part of disciplinary action.

Further investigations are underway, with possible outcomes including demotion, a fine, a warning, or dismissal from the service.

The findings will be forwarded to Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, Samidoh’s direct superior, and then to Inspector General Douglas Kanja for ratification before submission to the National Police Service Commission.

When contacted, Samidoh declined to comment, stating he was “in a place I can’t speak now.” Neither Masengeli nor Kanja responded to inquiries regarding the disciplinary action.

Political tensions in Mt. Kenya

The transfer coincides with heightened political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region, where Samidoh and other prominent Kikuyu musicians faced backlash after visiting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at his Karen residence on May 23.

The group included Karangu Muraya, Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, DJ Fatxo, Sammy Irungu, Martin Wajanet, and Ngaruiya Junior.

The meeting, described by Kindiki as an effort to support the creative sector through policy reforms and intellectual property protections, drew sharp criticism from Gachagua, who accused the musicians of betraying the Mt. Kenya community by aligning with the government.

Speaking at a church service in Murang’a on May 25, Gachagua called for a boycott of the musicians, alleging they were each paid KSh 50,000 to attend the meeting and promote government initiatives like the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“We are very sad that some of our artistes have become traitors for the community,” Gachagua said, urging fans to unfollow the artists on social media and entertainment venues to stop booking them until they apologize.

Kindiki fires back

Kindiki responded forcefully on May 25 during an event in Kabete, Kiambu County, accusing Gachagua of promoting political intolerance and vowing to host 500 more artists at his residence.

“Do not lecture us; we are not your children,” Kindiki said, defending the musicians’ right to engage with the government on industry issues.

He emphasized government efforts to dismantle exploitative cartels in the music industry.

Dennis Itumbi, head of presidential special projects, criticized Gachagua’s attacks as an attempt to control artists’ voices.

The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) condemned Gachagua’s boycott call as “regressive” and a threat to freedom of expression.

Attempting to navigate the fallout, Samidoh performed a freestyle verse praising Gachagua’s resilience at a show in Rongai shortly after the Karen visit, sparking debate about his political loyalties. Some fans accused him of playing both sides, while others saw it as a strategic move to appease critics.

“You are the ones who made me who I am today. Please, don’t abandon me,” Samidoh pleaded on social media in response to the backlash.

As the Mt. Kenya region becomes a battleground for political influence ahead of 2027, the pressure on artists like Samidoh underscores the challenges of balancing creative freedom with political expectations in Kenya’s charged political climate.