Kenyan musician Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, has returned to the political spotlight after announcing his intention to contest the Mathare parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election at an event widely anticipated as his wedding celebration with longtime partner Diana Marua.
The announcement on Friday, November 6, surprised guests who expected to witness the couple formalise their decade-long relationship at an exclusive ceremony held at Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi.
Instead, Bahati took to the stage and declared his intention to seek the Mathare parliamentary seat, a position he unsuccessfully contested in the 2022 General Election.
“I want to announce, and I want to make it official, that I, Bahati Kioko, will be vying as the next Member of Parliament for Mathare Constituency,” he announced.
Beyond politics, Bahati has built a name in Kenya’s entertainment industry, transitioning from an award-winning gospel singer to a secular musician, entertainer and businessman.
Bahati’s Early Life and Childhood in a Children’s Home
Bahati was born Kevin Mbuvi Kioko. He grew up in Mathare, Nairobi, where he experienced a difficult childhood following the death of his mother.
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In a March 2022 interview with his partner, Diana Marua, the musician recalled losing his mother when he was about six.
He explained that she died on Christmas Day when he was preparing to join Class One. Her death left him uncertain about his future, as he feared being left in the village after her burial.
Bahati recalled travelling back to Nairobi in the vehicle that had transported his mother’s body to Makueni, determined to remain in the city rather than be left upcountry.
He later found himself at ABC Kenya Children’s Home in Mathare, where he spent part of his childhood.
How Bahati Became a Gospel Music Star
Bahati began his professional music career as a gospel singer in 2013, gradually establishing himself with songs he said drew on his personal experiences.
One of his earliest major releases was Mama, a tribute to his late mother that resonated with listeners because of its emotional message.
He followed it with other gospel songs, including Machozi, Barua and Itakua Sawa, which helped establish his position in the Kenyan gospel industry.
His breakthrough earned him recognition at the Groove Awards in 2013, where he won the Best Upcoming Artist award.
His song Machozi also received recognition at the Mdundo Awards in 2014.
Bahati enjoyed another successful year in 2015, emerging as one of the biggest winners at the Groove Awards.
His song Barua won Song of the Year, Video of the Year, and Most Downloaded Skiza Tune, while he also received the Male Artist of the Year award.
Bahati’s Record Label and Transition to Secular Music
In 2015, Kevin Bahati established EMB Records, an entertainment label whose name stood for Eastlands Most Beloved.
The platform was meant to support upcoming musicians and give them opportunities to grow their careers.
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However, his music journey later took a different direction when he began moving away from gospel music.
In June 2021, Bahati confirmed that he had left gospel music and was transitioning into contemporary music.
He made the announcement during the launch of his album Love Like This, explaining that the project represented his growth and journey in the music industry.
Some of his popular releases in the new phase of his career include Wanani, Diana, Baby You, Pete Yangu and Adhiambo.
Bahati’s Television Career and Business Ventures
Bahati’s relationship with Diana Marua became part of his entertainment brand, with the couple sharing aspects of their family life, relationship and professional activities on social media.
They also featured in the reality television show Being Bahati, which gave viewers a glimpse into their home life and careers.
The couple built a substantial online presence through YouTube and other social media platforms, where they shared family content, music projects and lifestyle videos.
Bahati also ventured into music production through EMB Records, although the label later ceased operations.
Bahati has been associated with expensive cars, properties and a lavish lifestyle, which he has occasionally showcased on social media.
Bahati’s First Attempt at Politics in 2022
Bahati entered elective politics in 2022 when he announced he would contest the Mathare parliamentary seat.
The musician sought to use his background in the constituency in his campaign message, arguing that growing up in the area exposed him to the challenges residents faced.
He joined the Jubilee Party and sought to contest the seat under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition.
However, his candidacy faced difficulties during the coalition’s negotiations over which parties would field candidates in different constituencies.
The singer publicly protested after the possibility of Jubilee stepping aside for the Orange Democratic Movement candidate, Anthony Oluoch, emerged during the negotiations.
He also claimed political pressure and alleged that he had been offered money to withdraw from the race.
Despite the disagreements, Bahati eventually appeared on the ballot and contested the August 9, 2022 General Election.
According to the announced results, incumbent MP Anthony Oluoch of ODM retained the seat with 28,098 votes.
United Democratic Alliance candidate Billian Ojiwa came second with 16,912 votes, while Bahati finished third with 8,166 votes on the Jubilee Party ticket.
Bahati’s Ambition to Become a Governor
After losing the Mathare parliamentary contest, Bahati shifted his attention to a different political position.
In October 2023, he announced his intention to contest a gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
He made the declaration while performing at an event at Zetech University.
During his interaction with students, the musician said he was joining the institution to pursue a degree as part of his preparations for the gubernatorial race.
“I lost the MP race, but since I am now preparing to run for governor, I am coming here to pursue a degree,” he told the audience.
Bahati declared his interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in December 2024, announcing that he intended to contest in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview, the musician said he believed he had what it takes to become the next governor of Nairobi.
“I’m running for governor in 2027. That is the truth. Am I not the next governor of Nairobi?”
Bahati’s Relationship and Family Life
Kevin Bahati and Diana Marua have been together for approximately ten years and have built a joint entertainment brand through music, television and digital content.
Diana is a content creator, entrepreneur and media personality who has also ventured into music under the name Diana B.
Together, they have three biological children: Heaven Bahati, Majesty Bahati, and Malaika Bahati.
Bahati also has a daughter, Mueni, from his previous relationship with Yvette Obura.
The couple has additionally shared their experience of adopting a boy, Morgan, from the children’s home where Bahati spent part of his childhood.
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