Samidoh Sparks a Storm

Popular Mugithi star and police officer Samidoh is under the spotlight after a concert shout of “WANTAM”—a coded rejection of the political status quo—caused a firestorm online. What followed was a sudden pivot: a breakfast meeting with Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and other Central Kenya musicians, capped with a new public declaration of loyalty.

“You remember when Samidoh sang this a few days ago akisema WANTAM. The cowardly government sent sleuths at his gate with unmarked cars… His CCTV even captures sound.”
— @IanJamesMwaiK

A Sudden Turnaround

Only days after the concert chant, Samidoh surfaced in Karen at a meeting hosted by CS Kindiki. There, he was seen among several Kikuyu musicians now pledging support for President Ruto.

“Samidoh has been ordered to publicly declare ‘Tutam’ in front of cameras. We agreed that we eat, then when they leave, we retreat back to the truth that Wan Tam is.”
— @KihuriaNdorongo

What fans once heard as rebellion quickly turned into a statement of allegiance. Many believe the change was forced.

Kindiki’s Move on Musicians

The breakfast gathering is now being seen as a PR tactic—an attempt by the state to use cultural influencers to shape political attitudes in the critical Mount Kenya region.

“Wanamziki wa mlima wamesema hawataki kuachwa nyuma… Samidoh was also present even after writing a controversial statement.”
— @Morwani_

For Kindiki and his allies, controlling the narrative starts with the soundtracks that shape local identity.

Fans Begin to Walk Away

Samidoh’s pivot has not gone over well with his core audience. Many are now calling for his cultural “dethronement” and throwing their support behind rising Mugithi artist Waithaka wa Jane.

“Kikuyus denounce Samidoh as king of Mugithi and Karaiku master Waithaka wa Jane as the new king of Mugithi with immediate effect… Thuraku Thuraku… kumìra kumìra.”
— @noonie_ke

“Kumbe Samidoh amejoin the failed Kenya Kwisha government and he’s in Karen eating rice.”
— @Colettaaluda_1

The shift is being framed not as growth, but as betrayal.

State or Star? A Line Gets Blurred

As a member of the National Police Service, Samidoh is held to a higher standard of neutrality. His political signaling during performances and public appearances is now raising constitutional and ethical questions.

Related Read:

From Wantam to Tutam:How the State Is Orchestrating Political Loyalty Through Music

“Who is Samidoh? How powerful is he? Man serves in the National Police Service but endorsed Rigathi Gachagua publicly during his live events.”
— @KaberiaCommoner

“All the way back since 2023, been telling you that Samidoh is trash… Now that he was at Kindiki’s residence last night is when you’re connecting the dots.”
— @FGaitho237

What’s Next for Samidoh?

If the public mood is anything to go by, Samidoh’s image has taken a serious hit. Whether this is a temporary stumble or a long-term decline depends on how he handles the fallout.

“Samidoh declares that it is TUTAM, not WANTAM as he clearly said at his Mugithi concert; after meeting DP Kithure Kindiki.”
— @kenyasgossips

The court of public opinion is still out—but for now, the music has changed, and not everyone is dancing along.