Kenyan Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, better known as Samidoh, is at the centre of a lawsuit accusing him of rape during his 2021 U.S. tour. The case, filed in Nairobi’s High Court, has drawn sharp public reaction and reignited debate about accountability for high-profile figures.
Samidoh broke his silence this week through an Instagram post that has since drawn more than 10,000 likes. Though he did not directly address the allegations, the message was widely seen as his first response.
Divided Public Reaction
His statement triggered heated debate online. Critics said it skirted responsibility.
“Samidoh’s response sounds like he’s dodging accountability,” wrote one user on X.
Others defended him, arguing that the matter should be left to the courts.
“He’s standing his ground—let the courts decide,” said another.
The Allegations
According to a report in The Standard, the claims stem from an incident on 28 November 2021 at an Airbnb in Overland Park, Kansas. A woman identified in court papers as MRW alleges Samidoh raped her despite her resistance. She also claims to have endured ongoing harassment since then.
Her petition calls on Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to preserve digital evidence and asks for protection under the Witness Protection Agency, citing fears of intimidation. The Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General are also named for allegedly failing to act on her original complaint.
Legal and Jurisdictional Questions
The case highlights legal complexities. Kansas law allows rape charges to be filed within 10 years, meaning the timeline is still open. In Kenya, the Witness Protection Act of 2008 obliges the state to safeguard complainants. Critics say that system has not been fully activated in this case.
The Attorney General’s office, often criticised for delays in prosecution, now faces renewed scrutiny.
Samidoh’s Career Under Spotlight
The singer resigned from the National Police Service earlier this year after disciplinary proceedings. His profile has since grown, not just in music but in politics, making the allegations even more politically sensitive.
While some have speculated about the timing of the lawsuit, there is no evidence linking the case to political manoeuvring. A 2023 precedent involving another Kenyan artist sued in the U.S. for assault—where the FBI played a role—may also shape how the proceedings evolve.
Broader Implications
Observers say the case could spill over into Kenya-U.S. relations. The lawsuit comes as the two countries push forward their 2025 Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, raising questions about how justice and diplomacy might intersect.
A hearing is scheduled for 16 September 2025, which is expected to clarify the next steps. For now, Samidoh’s brief social media post remains his only public comment.