Bahati comes clean on ignoring Shalkido’s request for collabo amid backlash
Kenyan singer Bahati has spoken out to defend himself after facing online criticism over his interaction with the late Gengetone artiste Kevin Mburu Kinyanju, popularly known as Shalkido.
The musician came under heavy scrutiny after sharing his last moments with the former Sailors Gang member, with many accusing him of ignoring Shalkido’s request for a music collaboration.
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Speaking on a local radio station on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bahati dismissed the accusations, saying the screenshots circulating online had been misinterpreted.
He explained that the conversation being shared online was between Shalkido and his management team, not him personally. Bahati added that they had actually discussed and planned to work on a song together this week.
“Everyone was posting, it is just because it is Bahati. Sikumlenga. Hiyo ni screenshot ya chats zake na management. Unajua huwezi expose management. Shalkido was responded to. This week, niko na collabo kadhaa na yake ilikuwa among them,” Bahati said.
Bahati’s problematic tribute
The fury online erupted after Bahati, on Monday night, October 6, 2025, took to social media to express his grief and share that the two had recently been in talks about a possible collaboration. He said it was heartbreaking that they never made it to the studio.
“You had just talked to my management on our collabo na mkapanga tuingie studio this coming week. Rest well, young king. Tutaonana baadaye,” Bahati wrote.
The singer also shared a screenshot of a message Shalkido had sent him on Instagram. In the message, the late artiste humbly requested to work with Bahati.
“Vipii bro, hope you’re doing well? Just said I reach to you, I’m really humbled kuomba collabo kwa D and Bossy Bahati,” read Shalkido’s message.
Despite Bahati’s tribute, many online users accused him of clout-chasing with Shalkido’s death, claiming he was using the tragedy to gain attention.
Shalkido’s death
Shalkido, who had earlier been reported to be in the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, October 6, 2025.
In a video shared on TikTok, Shalkido’s cousin, standing beside the late singer’s father, confirmed the death and appealed for support for the grieving family.
“Hello, guys, it is a sad evening. We are here with Shalkido’s father, and we have just received a report from the doctor that Shalkido died at 6:30, just a few minutes ago. So, guys, let us come together and stand with this family. Everything will be okay,” the cousin said.
