Samidoh // FacebookMugithi artist Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known Samidoh has defended his decision to contest the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat, urging voters to assess his character, experience and political agenda rather than judge his candidature by his career in music.
Samidoh, who recently announced his intention to seek the seat in 2027, said he had taken time to consider the questions and criticism that followed his declaration, particularly from those questioning whether a Mugithi musician could effectively serve in Parliament.
In a statement, the musician acknowledged the question but said it focused on only one chapter of his life while overlooking his previous experiences and achievements.
"I have taken time to go through your feedback, and I have noticed one recurring question from some quarters: How can a Mugithi artist go to Parliament?” Samidoh posed, adding that he was ready to respond to the question.
In defending his candidature, Samidoh cited his years in the police service, where he was tasked with protecting life and property and maintaining law and order.
The aspirant said his policing career saw him deployed to demanding environments, including Garissa and Mpeketoni, experiences he said exposed him to different challenges and strengthened his understanding of service.
He also highlighted his educational background, stressing that he came from an ordinary family, pursued his education and earned a university degree.
According to Samidoh, his career in music had also given him an opportunity to interact with people from different communities, travel across Kenya and beyond, and build networks that he believes could be translated into opportunities for residents of Ol Joro Orok.
He argued that his identity as a musician should not be the sole basis on which his political ambitions are evaluated.
“So yes, I am a Mugithi artist. But that is not the entirety of who I am,” he said.
Samidoh instead challenged residents and critics to examine his character, experience, record and vision, as well as what he intends to deliver for the constituency.
He said his agenda would focus on areas including education, vocational training, talent development, youth empowerment and development.
On education, Samidoh said he intended to champion practical measures to improve access, support students and create opportunities for young people.
"When I speak about vocational training and technical skills, let us discuss how we can equip our youth with practical skills that can earn them a livelihood — not just certificates," he pointed out.
His experience as an entertainer, he added, had shaped his approach to talent development.
He said he wanted to use what he had learnt through his music career to support structures that would allow young people in Ol Joro Orok to turn their talents into sustainable careers.
On youth empowerment, Samidoh said he would seek ways of connecting young people with available opportunities and advocating for measures that would make such opportunities more accessible.
He further pledged to use the parliamentary position to advocate for the needs of Ol Joro Orok and ensure the constituency benefits from available resources and development programmes.
"I am not asking the people of Ol Joro Orok to elect me because I sing. I am asking you to listen to what I intend to do, examine my character and experience, interrogate my ideas, and then make your judgement," he said.
Samidoh also welcomed questions, oversight and debate over his candidature, maintaining that he hoped to earn support based on his capacity and vision to represent the constituency.
“The music is my profession. Service is my calling. Ol Joro Orok is my home,” he stated.
He said he would in the coming days share more details of his vision and the specific issues he intends to champion for the people of Ol Joro Orok.
