Samidoh Reacts to William Ruto Telling Police to Shoot Looters in Legs
- Samidoh appeared to subtly weigh in on President Ruto’s controversial shoot-to-disable directive, without saying much at all
- Posting from Mexico, the mugithi star shared a carefree video amid national tension, prompting Kenyans to flood his comments with cheeky updates
- When one TikToker quipped about being shot in the legs, Samidoh’s simple response said more than words could
The singing police officer has reacted to President William Ruto’s directive to the police on handling individuals destroying property during demonstrations.
Source: Facebook
Speaking on Wednesday, July 9, the president expressed his support for the police in their efforts to clamp down on such individuals.
He instructed officers to shoot looters and vandals in the legs to incapacitate them before taking them to the hospital and then to court to face charges.
Did Ruto order police to shoot looters?
Ruto emphasised that peace must prevail and businesses should continue uninterrupted, warning that those torching or damaging property will face firm consequences.
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The president also cautioned politicians accused of inciting violence, saying they would be held accountable.
He stated that any attack on police officers or stations would be treated as a direct challenge to the state and dealt with accordingly.
Ruto made it clear that while excessive force on innocent Kenyans is unacceptable, criminals must not be allowed to operate with impunity.
What did Samidoh say about Ruto's directive?
Amid the debate over Ruto's remarks, Samidoh, currently abroad, posted a photo of himself visiting a tourist site in Mexico.
According to the geotag, Samidoh was in Chichén-Itzá in Yucatán.
It was a major city constructed by the Maya civilisation during the Terminal Classic period. Today, its ruins rank among the most popular archaeological attractions in Mexico.
Samidoh was casually dressed in a white sleeveless shirt, matching sweatpants, and open shoes.
He braved a drizzle as he sang along to a Mugithi song.
"Buenos días from Cancun, Mexico," he wrote.
A Kenyan in the comments section updated him on the ongoing situation.
"We will be shot in the legs henceforth," wrote a TikToker.
Samidoh reacted by writing:
"Weh."
Here are more reactions from Kenyans:
Fred Nyabuto:
"Mexico looks deserted."
Kipyegon Koech:
"While you were away, we all became Kikuyu."
Jackie G. Mugambi:
"While you were away, UDA changed its party symbol from a wheelbarrow to a wheelchair."
Florence Nyokabi:
"Cousins have become one big family... I thought you should know."
Wangui Anne:
"Usijaribu kurudi Samidoh. Ni kubaya. Now you will be expected to shoot anyone while on duty."
Did Samidoh resign from police service?
In May, Samidoh denied rumours that he had quit his job.
Speaking at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's Karen residence, where he was invited alongside other Kikuyu artistes, the Mugithi star said he is a musician and also a police officer.
After meeting Kindiki, Samidoh and his colleagues were slammed by a section of their fans, including Rigathi Gachagua, who forced them to apologise or face fans' wrath. Gachagua threatened to ask Kenyans to boycott them.
The Mumbi hitmaker later performed a song praising Gachagua, commending his resilience and courage.
Gachagua claimed that he advised Samidoh to go to the US after he was redeployed to Gilgil.
The former deputy president said he had advised the Mugithi singer to quit the police service and focus on music, opining that he makes more money from music compared to his police duties.
Rumour has it that Samidoh moved to the US to live with his family, but he has never confirmed or denied it.
What did Samidoh say about protests?
Source: Instagram
In other news, Samidoh started a social media debate after sharing a symbolic photo just before the planned protests on Wednesday, June 25.
The demonstrations were aimed at honouring those who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill unrest, with some protestors declaring intentions to march to State House, Nairobi.
Despite his role in law enforcement, Samidoh appeared to subtly align with the movement.
In his post, he donned an American-flag-themed shirt and cowboy hat while holding a Kenyan flag, which some followers noted was upside down, a signal often interpreted as distress.
This started discussions among Kenyans about his intended message.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added: Did Samidoh resign from police service?
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
