Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, popularly known as Samidoh, has formally declared his intention to contest the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat in Nyandarua County, saying his decision is driven by a desire to serve his community rather than his celebrity status.

In a statement addressed to residents, Samidoh said he was offering himself for election because of his personal connection to the constituency and his desire to participate directly in leadership and decision-making.

“Ladies and gentlemen, good people of Nyandarua County, I am humbled to offer my candidature for the position of Member of Parliament for Ol Joro Orok Constituency,” he said.

Samidoh Says Ol Joro Orok Is His Home

The musician described Ol Joro Orok as his home, saying his political ambitions are rooted in the experiences and challenges he encountered while growing up in the area.

“I am a son of Ol Joro Orok. This is home. This is where my journey began,” he said.

Samidoh recalled being orphaned at a young age and having to overcome difficult circumstances before building a career in the Kenya Police Service and later becoming a successful musician.

“My story is not one of privilege. I was orphaned at a young age, and like many children who grow up facing difficult circumstances, I had every reason to give up. But I did not,” he said.

He said determination, faith and hard work enabled him to overcome the challenges he faced and build a life he had once considered beyond his reach.

Music Career Shaped His Leadership Ambitions

Samidoh previously served in the Kenya Police Service before pursuing music, a career that has taken him across Kenya and to international stages.

“The journey has taken me from the villages of Ol Joro Orok to stages across this country and around the world. It has introduced me to people, communities, institutions and opportunities that I could never have imagined while growing up,” he said.

However, he insisted that his decision to seek elective office was not based on his popularity as a musician.

“But 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,” he said.

The musician said his years of using music to highlight issues affecting ordinary Kenyans had convinced him that advocacy alone was insufficient.

“There comes a time when speaking about change is not enough. There comes a time when one must seek the opportunity to participate directly in the institutions where decisions are made, laws are enacted, and national resources and policies are shaped,” he said.

Samidoh Targets Parliament

Samidoh also referred to his participation in the “One Term” campaign, saying the experience reinforced his belief that citizens should be able to question their leaders and demand accountability.

He said he now wants to take his advocacy into Parliament, which he described as the institution where the voices and interests of citizens should be represented.

“Parliament is not simply a building, but the House where the people’s voice must be represented, where laws are made, where government is held accountable, and where the interests of our communities must find a strong and informed voice,” he said.

Education at the Centre of His Agenda

Education emerged as one of the key priorities in Samidoh’s proposed leadership agenda.

He said he wants to see an Ol Joro Orok where children do not remain at home because their parents cannot afford school-related expenses.

He also proposed reducing the financial burden facing parents of day-school students, suggesting that families could contribute towards food and other agreed necessities while the government progressively addresses school fees.

Samidoh’s declaration now places him firmly in the political contest for Ol Joro Orok, as he seeks to transition from entertainment and public advocacy into elective leadership.