Samidoh Faces Yet Another Political Heat After ‘Wantam’ Chants at UK Concert
Popular mugithi music artiste Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, has once again found himself embroiled in a politically sensitive situation. The incident unfolded during one of his shows in Camden Town, United Kingdom, where his fans unexpectedly broke into chants that have strong political undertones in Kenya.
At the start of his performance, the crowd began shouting “one-term,” locally distorted as “wantam.” This phrase has been widely used by opponents of President William Ruto to campaign against his administration, implying they want the president to serve only one term. The chant quickly gained momentum, with fans passionately voicing the slogan. Samidoh, who is also a serving police officer, was caught in a delicate moment where his identity as an entertainer clashed with his professional obligation to remain apolitical.
The musician seemed tempted to join in but wisely kept his distance from the politically charged chant. Instead, he teased his fans with a playful remark, saying, “It is you people saying it? Harambee,” to which the audience responded enthusiastically with more chants of “wantam.” The crowd erupted in cheers immediately after, signaling strong support for the message despite the underlying political tension.
This episode comes on the heels of reports that Samidoh is under scrutiny for allegedly breaching the police Service Standing Orders (SSO), which mandate that police officers must not engage in political activities. His involvement in political matters as a musician and officer has triggered disciplinary action, highlighting the thin line police officers must tread between their personal and professional lives.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addressed questions on the matter on Wednesday, May 28, amidst rumors that Samidoh was being redeployed to Baringo as part of internal police regulations. While Kanja did not confirm the transfer directly, he emphasized that all police officers are subject to transfers and other regulations applicable to civil servants.
“Police officers are civil servants and are subject to regulations and procedures, including transfers. If the officer you have mentioned is one of us, then he is subject to those conditions,” Kanja stated, underscoring that the service’s internal rules govern such actions.
The situation with Samidoh is further complicated by political dynamics involving other musicians from the Mt Kenya region. In late May, Samidoh, alongside artists Jose Gatutura, Karangu Muraya, and Ben Githae, visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi. The meeting’s purpose was to discuss ways of supporting artists through policies and the protection of intellectual property rights.
However, this meeting did not sit well with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who publicly criticized the musicians for aligning themselves with the current government. Speaking at the AIPCA Kihoya church in Kangema, Murang’a County, on May 25, Gachagua labeled the musicians “traitors” for what he described as their support of a regime that, according to him, has oppressed Kenyans.
As a consequence, Gachagua urged his supporters to boycott the musicians. He called for them to be deplatformed, urging fans to unfollow the artistes on social media, avoid their shows, reject their music, and block them from public events until they issued an apology. This directive, backed by local elders, signaled a clear political backlash against artists seen as sympathetic to the government.
Samidoh’s dual role as a celebrated musician and a police officer puts him in a particularly vulnerable position. The police Service Standing Orders require officers to maintain political neutrality, but his public appearances and interactions with political figures blur that line. The recent chanting incident at his UK show, coupled with the disciplinary actions and potential redeployment, reveal the challenges faced by individuals straddling public entertainment and government service.
The controversy has wider implications for artists and public figures in Kenya who must navigate a politically charged environment. It also raises questions about the role of the police force in enforcing apolitical conduct among its members while balancing their personal freedoms.
Moving forward, the police department’s handling of Samidoh’s case will be closely watched. The ongoing disciplinary review and possible redeployment may serve as precedent for how the service manages politically involved officers in the future. Meanwhile, fans and industry stakeholders will be observing how the political boycott impacts the musicians’ careers.
Samidoh’s recent experience underscores the complex intersection between entertainment, politics, and public service in Kenya. As he continues his musical journey and navigates his duties as a police officer, both his supporters and critics will be eager to see how this saga unfolds.
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Samidoh Faces Yet Another Political Heat After ‘Wantam’ Chants at UK Concert