Bahati plans a second run for the Mathare parliamentary seat in 2027.
The musician plans a second run for the parliamentary seat, citing his upbringing and connection to residents after his 2022 defeat.
Musician Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, is grounding his 2027 Mathare bid in his upbringing and personal struggles. He plans a second attempt at the parliamentary seat after losing to ODM’s Anthony Oluoch in 2022.
Bahati contested the previous election on a Jubilee Party ticket. This time, he is emphasising his connection to the constituency where he was born and raised.
Reflecting on his childhood, the singer said losing both parents shaped his determination to succeed. He also linked those experiences to his understanding of the difficulties ordinary Mathare residents face.
Mathare bid draws on personal journey
Bahati recalled walking from Mathare to Standard Group’s offices while seeking support early in his music career. That support eventually helped him record Mama, the song that marked his breakthrough.
He began his career as a gospel artiste in 2013 and founded EMB Records in 2015. Since then, he has expanded his public profile through music, business ventures and social media.
His mainstream releases include Wanani, Diana, Baby You and Adhiambo. However, Bahati said celebrity connections should not define how voters view the foundation of his campaign.
He also defended the small gathering at his recent political launch, saying attendees were close friends. They included people who knew him personally and had followed his journey from Mathare.
Bahati suggested political rivals were using criticism of the event to damage his image.
Publicity campaign puts family life in focus
Meanwhile, Bahati’s relationship with content creator and musician Diana Marua became part of the campaign announcing his political ambitions. The publicity initially prompted speculation about an upcoming wedding before revealing his electoral plans.
He defended the approach as a business decision intended to build attention and anticipation. Addressing wedding questions, Bahati said he had already undertaken the traditional ruracio ceremony.
He added that he was in no hurry to hold a public wedding. The couple have been together for about a decade and have five children.
They include three biological children, a child from Bahati’s previous relationship and an adopted child. Beyond family and politics, the singer also discussed challenges facing Kenya’s creative industry.
He attributed Netflix’s discontinuation of his reality show, The Bahati Empire, to the platform’s business decisions. He also cited low local viewership of Kenyan productions.
