Samidoh releases proof of approved US travel amid police desertion claims
The release of the letter directly challenges assertions by the NPS that Samidoh had absconded duty. According to a police report, the officer failed to resume work on May 27, 2025, almost two weeks before the official return date outlined in the clearance letter.
Contrary to claims by the National Police Service (NPS) that he deserted duty, musician and police officer Samuel Muchoki, alias Samidoh, has released official documentation showing he was granted permission to travel to the United States for a private visit.
Samidoh, who is attached to the Administration Police’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Gilgil, made public a letter dated April 25, 2025, confirming that he received formal authorisation to travel abroad.
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The clearance was signed by Mathew Kutoh on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
“Travel clearance is hereby granted to the above-named officer to travel to the United States for a private visit. The officer will leave the country on May 20, 2025, and return on June 9, 2025,” reads the letter.
The document further notes that all travel and accommodation expenses for the trip would be covered privately.
The release of the letter directly challenges assertions by the NPS that Samidoh had absconded duty. According to a police report, the officer failed to resume work on May 27, 2025, almost two weeks before the official return date outlined in the clearance letter.
“Since then, CMM has not been seen, and his whereabouts are not known,” the internal police report states.
The report claims that Samidoh has been absent without leave for more than ten days, triggering disciplinary proceedings under the National Police Service Act, Chapter 84 (Revised 2014).
Section 94(1) of the Act provides that: “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.”
In line with the provisions, the NPS issued a police signal declaring Samidoh a deserter and directed immediate action against him. The communication stated that efforts to trace the officer had been unfruitful, and his pay was to be halted immediately.
The NPS further ordered the local police in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua County, Samidoh’s rural home, to conduct a physical visit, arrest him if found, and report back.
Samidoh was recently transferred from the Central Region Police Headquarters to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil. While the rationale for the transfer remains undisclosed, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, during a press briefing on May 28, stated that such administrative changes are routine across the police service.
All eyes are now on the NPS to clarify how the officer was declared a deserter despite having official travel authorisation covering the period in question.
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