Bahati performs during Nairobi County economic empowerment programme at State House
By Nancy Marende, August 9, 2025Kenyan singer and songwriter Kevin Mbuvi Kioko, popularly known by his stage name Bahati, took to the stage at State House during the Nairobi County Economic Empowerment Programme, delivering an energetic performance that lit up the event.
The artist, known for his chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence, engaged the crowd with the familiar refrain “Wa nani, Mama”, prompting cheers from attendees.
Also gracing the stage was rapper Toxic Lyrikali, famed for his hit Backbencher, alongside Dyana Cods, a Kenyan singer and rapper celebrated for her breakout track ‘Set It’.
Speaking during the event on Saturday, August 9, 2025, President William Ruto stated that the house on the hill is now more accessible to ordinary Kenyans, reflecting his administration’s focus on inclusivity.
Ruto dismisses accusations
Additionally, he dismissed accusations that he had lowered the institution’s standards.
“There is someone who said that I have lowered the State House’s standard. I have just invited the mere citizen to come to the State House. Every person matters for equality in Kenya,” he stated.
Furthermore, the head of state shared how visitors have been surprised by the diversity of people now visiting the State House.
“Unajua hapa State House, zamani waliokuwa wanakuja ni wale wadosi tu,” he explained. Juzi kuna jamaa mmoja alikuja hapa; wakati alirudi akasema nimeenda pale State House, lakini huyu rais amezusha sana kiwango, kwa sababu siku hizi watu walioko pale ni watu tu hivi hivi. Lakini siku hizi, hata bodaboda wako around. Na hakuna makosa. Kwani iko makosa? Hakuna makosa.“
Loosely interpreted as;
“You know, the only people who used to come to the State House in the past were just rich people. The other day, there was a person who came here, and when they went back, they said that the President has lowered the standard because nowadays it accommodates ordinary people. But nowadays, even Boda Boda come around, and there is no problem. Is there a problem? And there’s nothing wrong with that,” he stated.
Further, Ruto has stated that 10,000 Kenyans borrow from the hustler fund kitty every day and repay their loans on time.
He also defended the Hustler Fund, saying it continues to transform lives by offering accessible and affordable credit to millions of Kenyans