BAHATI FACES BACKLASH AFTER SHARING PRIVATE CHATS OF LATE MUSICIAN SHALKIDO

Musician Bahati is facing backlash following a social media tribute he posted for the late musician Shalkido, which many are criticising as opportunistic and insensitive.

The controversy began when Bahati shared a post mourning Shalkido, born Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, who tragically died from injuries sustained in a road accident. In his tribute, Bahati revealed plans for a future collaboration, writing, “#RIPSHALKIDO 🕊🕊🕊 You had Just Talked to My Management on our Collabo na Mkapanga Tuingie Studio this Coming Week🥹🥹🥹 Rest Well Young King Tutaonana Baadae🙏🙏🙏”

Accompanying the post was a screenshot of a private direct message from Shalkido to Bahati. The message, which read, “Vipiiii bro… Hope you’re doing well? Just said I reach to you, I’m really humbled kuomba collabo kwa D ama Bossy Bahari,” showed no visible reply from Bahati’s account.

The public response was swift and critical, with many accusing Bahati of using the tragedy for self-promotion. “You never responded then, why are you now trying to force closure?” questioned social media user Nyar Sakwa. Another commenter, Brian Mwenda, called the post, “What an insensitive piece of work you are! This is tasteless and disgusting.”

The sentiment was echoed by others who felt the private message should not have been shared publicly only after Shalkido’s passing. Jesse Abisheck commented, “Hangekuwa amekufa would you have posted this. Why looking for cheap Clout when something happens.” With Riley Mwaliko adding, “Mnangojanga mtu akufe muanze kupost picha zao na message.”