HIGH COURT BARS MUSICIAN SAMIDOH FROM CONTACTING WOMAN IN RAPE CASE

The High Court has issued interim orders barring Kikuyu musician Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, from contacting or interfering with a woman who has filed a rape case against him.“…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…” the order reads.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi also directed that the woman, identified in court papers only as M.R.W. to safeguard her dignity and security, be protected from any form of harassment or intimidation as the case continues. The judge further ordered that all pleadings and documents be sealed to conceal her full identity, and where necessary, proceedings will be held in camera.

In her petition, M.R.W. accuses Samidoh of sexual assault and seeks orders compelling investigations and preservation of all relevant evidence. The court directed police to forensically secure and preserve all documentary, digital, and electronic materials, including her audio and messaging records. Written preservation notices are to be issued immediately to the relevant custodians.

The judge further ordered that the petition and application be served personally or via a newspaper with nationwide circulation within seven days. Responses must be filed within a similar timeframe, with rejoinders also allowed.

In her filing, the woman asks the High Court to direct investigative and prosecutorial agencies to act on her complaint against the musician. She claims to have preserved digital evidence of the assault and subsequent interactions, including audio recordings and electronic messages in which Samidoh allegedly insulted and threatened her.

According to her, when she confronted him about the assault, he dismissed her by calling her a “professional prostitute.” She further alleges that between 2021 and 2023, Samidoh engaged in manipulative and coercive communication, alternating between friendliness and intimidation.

Through her lawyers, Kaaya Memba & Company Advocates, M.R.W. is seeking urgent orders requiring police to register and investigate her case, preserve her evidence, and instruct the Attorney General to initiate mutual legal assistance with U.S. authorities for certified police and prosecutorial records. She is also asking the court to direct the Witness Protection Agency to assess her security risks and provide protection, citing fears of harassment and intimidation.

The petitioner argues that the state’s failure to act on her complaint has violated her constitutional rights, including the rights to dignity, equality, personal security, fair administrative action, and access to justice.