Court issues orders in rape allegations case against musician Samidoh

The High Court has issued interim orders restraining Kikuyu musician Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh from contacting or interfering with a woman who has sued him over rape allegations.

“…pending the hearing and determination of the instant application, an interim non-contact and non-interference order is hereby issued restraining the Interested Party, whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns, from contacting, intimidating, harassing or otherwise interfering…” reads the order.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi has further directed that the woman, identified in court papers only by the initials M.R.W. to protect her dignity and security, be shielded from any form of harassment or intimidation as the case proceeds.

The judge ordered that all pleadings and documents in the case be sealed to conceal her full identity, and where necessary, court proceedings will be conducted in camera.

In her petition, M.R.W. accuses the musician of sexual assault and has asked the court to compel investigations and preservation of evidence relating to her complaint.

Justice Mugambi also directed the police to forensically secure and preserve all documentary, digital, and electronic materials, including the woman’s audio and messaging evidence.

Further written preservation notices are to be issued to the relevant custodians immediately.

The court also ordered that the petition and accompanying application be served personally or through a newspaper with nationwide circulation within seven days.

Responses are to be filed within seven days of service, with rejoinders allowed within a similar timeframe.

In the case, the woman has petitioned the High Court for orders directing investigative and prosecutorial agencies to act on her complaint against the popular Kikuyu musician Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu.

The woman claims she preserved digital evidence of the assault and subsequent interactions with the artist, including audio recordings and electronic messages in which he allegedly insulted and threatened her.

In one exchange, she says he dismissed her attempt to confront him about the assault by calling her a “professional prostitute.”

She further alleges that between 2021 and 2023, Samidoh maintained manipulative and coercive communication with her, alternating between feigned friendliness and intimidation.

Through her lawyers, Kaaya Memba & Company Advocates, the petitioner is seeking urgent orders directing police to register and investigate her case, preserve her evidence, and instruct the Attorney General to initiate mutual legal assistance with U.S. authorities to obtain certified police and prosecutorial records.

She is also asking the court to direct the Witness Protection Agency to assess her risk and offer protection, citing fear of harassment and intimidation.

M.R.W. contends that the state’s inaction has violated her rights under the Constitution, including the rights to dignity, equality, freedom and security of the person, fair administrative action, and access to justice.