The High Court has issued interim orders barring popular Kikuyu musician Samuel Muchoki, widely known as Samidoh, from contacting or interfering with a woman who has accused him of rape.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi has directed that Samidoh, “whether alone, or through his servants, agents or assigns,” be restrained from “contacting, intimidating, harassing or otherwise interfering” with the woman, identified in court documents as M.R.W.
The judge ordered court records sealed and, if needed, hearings held in private to protect the woman’s identity and safety, stressing she must be shielded from any harassment.
The case concerns an action filed by M.R.W., who accuses Samidoh of sexually assaulting her and subsequently putting her through prolonged psychological harassment and threats. She has preserved digital data like audio recordings and electronic messages, as seen from court papers.
In one message, she claims the musician referred to her as a “professional prostitute” when she confronted him about the alleged assault.
Justice Mugambi also directed the police to forensically secure and preserve all relevant digital, electronic, and documentary evidence. “Written preservation notices” must be issued without delay to the relevant custodians, the court ruled.
The petition is to be served either personally or via publication in a national newspaper within seven days. Respondents have seven days to file replies, with rejoinders permitted within a similar timeframe.
Represented by Kaaya Memba & Company Advocates, the petitioner is also seeking court orders compelling police to formally register and investigate her case. She has requested the Attorney General to initiate mutual legal assistance with U.S. authorities to obtain certified prosecutorial and police records related to her complaint.
In her submissions, M.R.W. argues that the state’s failure to act has infringed on her constitutional rights, including access to justice, dignity, equality, and personal security.
Samidoh is accused of committing the crime while on a tour of the United States in 2021.
In an affidavit, M.R.W. claims that on November 28, 2021, while Samidoh was in the U.S. for a music performance, he lured her into his Airbnb in Overland Park, Kansas and raped her.
“I resisted and pleaded with him to stop, but he mocked my protestations, ignored my pleas, and without my consent whatsoever committed the horrific sexual offence,” she claimed.
M.R.W said she reported the offence to the Overland Park Police Department in Kansas, where a case was recorded as Case No. 2023022021 under the classification of rape.
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