High Court Orders DCI to Preserve Evidence in Samidoh Rape Case

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-05 21:00 EAT. The High Court has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to preserve all forensic evidence in a rape case involving popular Mugithi musician Samuel Muchoki, known as Samidoh, amid growing public scrutiny.

The Latest

Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s interim orders require investigators to secure documentary, electronic, and digital materials while banning Samidoh from contacting the complainant or witnesses. Identity-protection rules mandate the complainant be referred to only as M.R.W. Status: developing; hearing pending responses.

Context in Brief

• Petition filed: Kenyan woman alleges sexual assault; claims to hold audio and message evidence.

• Celebrity profile: Samidoh, a musician and police officer, under investigation; no public comment yet.

• Court stance: Moves align with judiciary’s broader effort to safeguard evidence in gender-based violence cases.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution & Statutes: Sexual Offences Act, Data Protection Act provisions on privacy.

• Orders: Evidence preservation, identity sealing, no-contact directives, service timelines set by court.

• Compliance: Non-adherence risks contempt proceedings and sanctions.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Court: “Any interference with evidence or parties will have serious legal consequences,” Justice Mugambi, 2025-09-04 ruling.

• Gender rights groups: Praised court for proactive measures to protect complainant’s dignity.

Evidence & Data

• Materials: Audio recordings, electronic messages cited by petitioner.

• Timeline: 7 days for service; 7 days for responses post-service.

• Respondents: Samidoh, other named parties in petition filings.

Risks and Implications

• Legal: Evidence chain integrity critical for possible charges.

• Social: Case draws national attention given celebrity profile.

• Governance: Tests enforcement capacity of DCI, courts in GBV cases.

What We Don’t Know

• Investigation outcomes after evidence review.

• Whether criminal charges will follow preservation orders.

• Samidoh’s official response or defense strategy.

Timeline

• 2025-09-04: High Court issues interim orders.

• 2025-09-05: Orders publicly reported; compliance window opens.

• 2025-09-12: Deadline for initial service responses.

What to Watch

• DCI compliance updates on evidence preservation.

• Potential arrest or indictment decisions.

• Future court hearings on case merits.