BAHATI ACCUSES MARIGA OF SABOTAGING SH1 MILLION REWARD FOR HARAMBEE STARS

Musician Kevin Bahati has dismissed claims that he failed to honour his promise of rewarding Harambee Stars Sh1 million following their win over Morocco earlier this month, blaming Mariga for the delay.

In a video shared on Thursday night, Bahati explained the delay, pointing to family engagements—including his son’s birthday in Naivasha—as part of the reason. However, Bahati squarely placed the blame on Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice chairperson McDonald Mariga, whom he accused of frustrating efforts to hand over the cash to the players.

To back his claims, Bahati went as far as leaking WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged with Mariga. In one dated August 18, he wrote:

“Good morning senior, pole I missed your call. I was on set and also on a family vacation. I understand this week is crucial for the team’s training, so if I delay allow me to do it next week. Hii yangu ningetumana ni vile Wakenya wanataka proof nikipeana so naomba nijiletee aki.”

According to Bahati, repeated follow-ups went unanswered, including messages sent as late as August 24—days after Harambee Stars had been knocked out of the 2024 CHAN.

Facing online criticism that his promise was mere publicity, Bahati posted another video alongside gospel singer DK Kwenye Beat, this time flaunting Sh3 million in cash.

“You know, there are things I usually avoid addressing because they’re not worth the energy. But I’ve noticed some people sabotaging Harambee Stars. That’s why this one million shillings’ promise has become such a big deal,” Bahati said, displaying bundles of notes.

“Here’s one million... two million... three million. I was ready to give one million, but this is my weekly expenditure—three million is just a little for me,” he added.

Bahati argued that his gesture was genuine and not a clout-chasing move. “What hype am I looking for? I haven’t released a song in a year, yet I’m still Kenya’s most talked-about entertainer. I don’t need to chase attention from our players. One million isn’t small—it’s the poverty mindset that thinks it’s too much.”

He went on to highlight his busy schedule—balancing family, business as CEO of Bahati Bet, and ongoing projects—while claiming Mariga deliberately ignored his calls. “If I call Mariga five times and he doesn’t pick, I’m supposed to call Arocho? I might even buy that station and put Diana in charge,” he joked.

He also brought up football presenter Fred Arocho, who had earlier challenged him to honour his pledge without delay.

“If I call Mariga five times and he doesn’t answer, should I start calling Arocho instead? I might as well buy that station and let Diana run it,” Bahati joked, before expressing frustration over Mariga’s silence and the speculation it stirred.

In a swift response, Mariga dismissed Bahati’s accusations, saying the singer was simply looking for attention.

“Anatafuta clout na mimi!” Mariga retorted.

The saga has sparked heated debate online, with fans divided between those who feel Bahati is being unfairly criticized and others who insist he turned Harambee Stars’ win into a personal publicity stunt.

For now, the promised Sh1 million—or possibly Sh3 million—remains undelivered, with Bahati insisting he is ready to fulfil his pledge if FKF facilitates the process.