BAHATI LOSES MATHARE PARLIAMENTARY SEAT TO ANTHONY OLUOCH

Popular musician Kevin Kioko alias Bahati, has lost the Mathare MP race. The current MP, Anthony Oluoch of the ODM won with 28,098 votes, retaining his seat. “I invite all my able competitors so that we work for our people,” said Oluoch after being handed his certificate.

Billian Ojiwa of the UDA came in second with 16,912 votes and Bahati received 8,166 votes. Hours before the announcement, Bahati alleged that the tallying process had irregularities. Taking to his Instagram account he posted, “Dear I.E.B.C We need answers! Everything is at stand still at the St. Teresa’s tallying centre and we can sense rigging plans…. Tell us what’s happening!”

In mid April this year, Bahati cried foul after being asked by his party to step down as the Jubilee candidate for the Member of Parliament seat for Mathare. He called on Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga to intervene, “Mr. President and the party officials in Jubilee, even the ones that left know my loyalty to you. To the fifth Raila Odinga. I am the only urban artist in this country that officially stood up and endorsed you. I even did a song without pay, that shows how I’m supporting Azimio’s vision.

Please do not kill the hearts of the youths in Azimio, do not kill the hearts of the youths in Mathare. I request you and call upon you to intervene. And in a humble way. I see no, I am not returning. And I’m not recalling my certificate. And that will be on the ballot on the ninth of August 2022.

And I strongly believe that I am the next member of parliament in my Mathare constituency. For this one, you have to understand I cannot step down for someone that has not helped my people. I cannot step down for someone that has used Mathare to benefit himself. I will not step down for someone that does not understand the problem of my people. No, I will not.”

Bahati received the go-ahead to fly the Jubilee party ticket for Mathare constituency after winning the just concluded party nominations.

Receiving the nomination certificate from Jubilee Director of elections Kanini Kega, Bahati expressed mixed reactions admitting it was a dream come true. “I don’t know how to celebrate this… I don’t know if I should cry or pray… this is a dream come true not only to me as Bahati; But to the Youth & my people of Mathare who for so long have been praying for an MP made in Mathare. For sure it’s not been easy competing against all those veteran politicians and I would like to say thank you for choosing me as the most popular candidate in Mathare!” he said.