Etale urges Bahati to honour Harambee Stars pledge and avoid sideshows
By Valerian Khakayi, August 30, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has called out singer Kevin Kioko, alias Bahati, over his unfulfilled promise to the Harambee Stars, urging him to keep his word without unnecessary drama.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Etale questioned Bahati’s priorities, pointing out that the artiste had recently boasted of his financial ability to acquire a local media station.
“Bahati, if you really can buy TV-47 and the entire Cape Media and even make FRED AROCHO your staff, why don’t you honour your pledge to Harambee Stars honourably and without drama? Stop being churlish and recalcitrant, “Etale called out Bahati.
Bahati on the pledge
This follows Bahati’s claim that sabotage prevented him from fulfilling his promise.
Speaking in a candid conversation with fellow gospel artist DK Kwenye Beat at Bahati’s house on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Bahati expressed frustration, claiming there were attempts to sabotage the process and turn it into unnecessary drama.
Bahati, who had pledged loud support from fans online, argued that the conversation around the donation had been exaggerated and misrepresented.
“Kuna watu wana sabotage hii process ya mimi kupea Harambee Stars hii one million. Ndio ikue maneno mingi maneno mingi,” he said, making it clear that he felt the issue had been blown out of proportion.
He went on to explain that he had made efforts to follow up on the pledge, including making calls, but certain matters had prevented the completion of the process.
“I tried to make calls. Vitu zingine sitaki kuongea kwa public. Hiyo kelele mmepiga online sijapenda. Mbona hao vijana wenyewe (players) wasijipange niende?” he questioned, appearing to shift part of the responsibility to the players themselves.
Despite the backlash from fans and online critics, Bahati reiterated that humility should not be mistaken for weakness. “DK, Mimi nakuanga sawa. Watu wasijaribu humility yangu,” he told DK, making it clear he was not pleased with how the issue had been handled publicly.
Mariga on Bahati’s claims
However, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president, McDonald Mariga, dismissed Bahati’s claims, accusing the musician of making empty promises and using the team’s name for clout.
“Huyo jamaa alinipigia mara ya kwanza akisema atapatiana one million. But amekua akinizungusha nikimpigia hashiki, mara sijui yuko wapi, yuko sijui Naivasha. Yaani hata vitu zake haziko clear,” Mariga said.
He further stated that Bahati’s remarks were insincere, adding that he is more concerned with social media publicity than genuine support for the national team.
“Unajua mimi si mtu wa kufatana na mtu na sipendi waongo. Unajua hizo vitu zao za kujionyesha kwa mtandao, sifanyangi hizo. So nikawacha kushika simu zake pia,” he explained.
“Hizo vitu zote anasema ni uwongo, awache kuharibia watu jina. Awache kujipush na jina za watu kwa sababu hiyo ni tabia yake. Na mimi namgoja alete hizo pesa aongee kama mwanaume,” Mariga added firmly.