"I offer myself": Samidoh formally announces Ol Joro Orok MP bid
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Musician Samidoh formally declared his candidature for the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat in Nyandarua County on Tuesday, August 19
- The singer, who left the Kenya National Police Service in July 2025, outlined his priorities, including education, youth empowerment and infrastructure
- Samidoh's announcement drew mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some backing his bid and others questioning whether celebrity status translates to effective leadership
Mugithi star Samidoh has officially thrown his hat into the political ring, announcing on Tuesday, August 19, that he will be contesting for the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat in Nyandarua County ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The musician, whose real name is Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, made the declaration in a lengthy Facebook post directed at the people of Nyandarua County, citing his personal connection to the constituency as a core motivation.
"This is home," he wrote, describing himself as someone who was born and raised in Ol Joro Orok, orphaned young, and shaped by hardship before finding his footing through determination and faith.
What did Samidoh say about his MP bid
Samidoh's path to this announcement has been anything but straightforward. He served in the Kenya National Police Service for years before officially resigning on July 20, 2025, after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja accepted his exit from the force.
His departure came after a series of clashes with police authorities.
In May 2025, a viral video showed Samidoh engaging with fans chanting "Wantam," a phrase associated with opposition to President William Ruto's re-election.
Authorities treated the episode as a breach of the service's political neutrality rules, and he was transferred to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil as a disciplinary measure.
Accusations of desertion followed, particularly after he travelled abroad for music engagements, and his salary was reportedly suspended.
He ultimately chose to resign, citing personal reasons and a wish to focus on music.
Leaving the force cleared the legal path for him to engage in active politics.
What is Samidoh's manifesto?
In his manifesto post, the singer laid out priorities centred on education, infrastructure, vocational training and youth empowerment.
"I dream of an Ol Joro Orok where no child stays at home on a school day because a family cannot meet school-related costs," he wrote.
He also called for development to be "visible in roads, education, water, markets, economic opportunities and the quality of life experienced by ordinary families."
Kenyans reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and scepticism.
SirRonnie Muriuki Mungathia commented:
"2027 will be great, husband in parliament the side hen out congratulations wa Eddy."
Peter Makumi quipped:
"Mr Speaker sir, I rise on a point of order... Start rehearsing."
Tr Leahz Papol cheered:
"Go go go... we need young people to take our Kenya beyond the horizon."
However, Dun Maish was blunt:
"The irrational voters of Ol Joro Orok will vote you in. And then they will regret. Just because you are a celebrity does not mean you can be a transformative leader."
Macharia Wahu added:
"You'll win, not because you're the best but because you're famous. These mountain people ni wale wale since 2013."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.