Former Mathare Jubilee aspirant Kevin Kioko popularly known as Bahati, regrets supporting Azimio la Umoja party saying that it is the reason behind his unsuccessful bid for the Mathare parliamentary seat in the August 2022 general election. 

Speaking during an interview with Chipukeezy, Bahati criticized the Azimio la Umoja party for not showing support to the young people.

According to Bahati, the Azimio party leader Raila Odinga convinced him to drop his bid and promised him a job in his government. 

“I expected his endorsement for the seat, but at the event, Baba (Raila) suggested I abandon my bid for a job offer, which left me wondering how Raila would offer me a job when he was also jobless,” Bahati explained.

READ MORE: Musician Bahati now aims at governor’s position in 2027 after missing Mathare MP seat

In addition, he revealed that the decision made by his coalition ruined his chances of winning since he was told 10 days before the elections.

“Ten days before the election, it was the worst day of my life. I was approached and promised a job, and that’s when everything changed, since some people had already given up on me even before the election day. I don’t know how I managed to get those votes. It’s like a miracle,” he explained.

He went on saying that although Raila lacked confidence in him, president William Ruto showed him support.

“William Ruto believed in me since he was the first one to know I had an interest in running for the seat, but I don’t know why I didn’t run through his party,” Bahati continued.

Additionally, Bahati revealed that Ruto not only supported his career before joining politics but also funded his independent campaigns. 

“I remember when I told Ruto I wanted to run for the Mathare MP seat; he gave me the first food that I donated in Mathare,” Bahati said.

Bahati disclosed that if he had not left Ruto’s UDA, he would be Mathare member of parliament today. 

The musician further claimed that he spent Ksh 27 million on his campaign.

“I was like an independent candidate. I campaigned with my own money. I spent roughly KSh 27 million,” he added.

Bahati lost the 2022 Mathare parliamentary seat to the incumbent MP Anthony Oluoch who got 28,098 votes.