Samidoh declares bid for Ol Joro Orok MP seat

In a lengthy statement to residents, Samidoh said he was seeking the seat not because of his popularity as a musician, but because of his experience growing up in 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 described Ol Joro Orok as his home and said his  political journey was rooted in his personal experiences and the challenges he faced while growing up.

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

The musician said he was orphaned at a young age and had to overcome difficult circumstances before building a career in the Kenya Police Service and later in the music industry.

"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.

Samidoh said determination, faith and hard work enabled him to rise through the ranks and build a life he once thought was beyond his reach.

He served in the Kenya Police Service before venturing into music, a career that enabled him to travel across Kenya and internationally.

"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, Samidoh was quick to point out that his decision to seek elective office was not driven by his celebrity status.

“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 'Wendo wa Ihera' singer also said years of using music to address issues affecting ordinary Kenyans had convinced him that speaking about change was not enough.

“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 also referred to his involvement in the “One Term” campaign, saying the experience strengthened his belief in the importance of citizens being able to question their leaders and demand accountability.

He said he now wants to take his advocacy to Parliament, which he described as the institution where citizens’ voices 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 is among the key issues Samidoh said would form the centre of his leadership agenda if elected.

He said he envisioned an Ol Joro Orok where no child is forced to stay at home because their family cannot meet school-related expenses.

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