Popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known as Samidoh, has announced his intention to vie for the Member of Parliament seat in Ol Joro Orok Constituency, Nyandarua County.
In a statement addressed to residents, Samidoh said his decision was not driven by his fame as a musician but by his personal connection to the area and his desire to participate in leadership and decision-making.
He described Ol Joro Orok as his home, saying his political ambitions were shaped by the experiences he had while growing up in the constituency.
Samidoh said he lost his parents at a young age and faced numerous challenges during his childhood. However, he credited determination, faith and hard work for helping him overcome the difficulties he experienced.
“Today, I am not offering myself for this position because I am a musician. I am not offering myself because I am famous or because my name is known across the country. I am offering myself because I have lived, seen and understood the struggles of ordinary people,” he said.
Before venturing into music, Samidoh worked in the Kenya Police Service.
His music career later took him across Kenya and abroad, where he performed for large audiences and interacted with people from different communities.
Despite his popularity, the “Wendo wa Ihera” singer said he was not seeking the parliamentary seat simply because of his celebrity status.
He said his years of using music to highlight issues affecting ordinary Kenyans had convinced him that speaking about change was not enough.
According to Samidoh, leaders must also participate in institutions where laws are made and public resources are managed.
He cited his involvement in the “One Term” campaign as an experience that strengthened his belief in accountability. He said citizens should be able to question their leaders and demand better services.
Education is among the key issues in his proposed agenda. Samidoh said he wants to create an Ol Joro Orok where no child misses school because of financial difficulties.
He also proposed reducing the financial pressure on parents of day-school students, with families contributing towards food and other agreed needs as the government gradually works to reduce school fees.