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- What started as a patriotic gesture has descended into controversy, public backlash, and even a potential break-in. Following the Harambee Stars' historic victory against Morocco in the CHAN 2024 qualifiers, Kenyan musician and celebrity Kevin Bahati, who is well-known for his extravagant lifestyle and eye-catching stunts, has come under fire for not fulfilling a KSh 1 million pledge to the band.
What started as a patriotic gesture has descended into controversy, public backlash, and even a potential break-in.
Following the Harambee Stars' historic victory against Morocco in the CHAN 2024 qualifiers, Kenyan musician and celebrity Kevin Bahati, who is well-known for his extravagant lifestyle and eye-catching stunts, has come under fire for not fulfilling a KSh 1 million pledge to the players.
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Bahati and his wife Diana Marua publicly promised to gift KSh 1 million to the Harambee Stars if they defeated Morocco in their third Group A match. The pledge was made with flair, Bahati even wore the national jersey and posted videos hyping the reward.
The Stars delivered, securing a 1-0 victory at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, sending fans into a frenzy. But as the celebrations continued, questions began to swirl: Where was the money?
Bahati responded to the growing pressure with a video from his home, flaunting bundles of cash and claiming that CAF regulations had blocked him from accessing the players post-match. He said he had contacted FKF Deputy Chair McDonald Mariga to arrange a proper handover at the team’s next training session.
He even showed chats of his conversation with Mariga and his plan to give out the 1 Million he promised.
“I’m not very rich, but this gift must go directly into the hands of the players themselves,” Bahati said. “Because of CAF rules, I couldn’t access the changing rooms. I’m a man of my word, so let me call Mariga and make arrangements.”
Despite this, a week later, several Harambee Stars players revealed they had not received the money, sparking public outrage.
“Bahati had said it was about KSh 1 million to be divided among us. I’m not sure if he gave it out. The only money we’ve received is from the president”.
Over the weekend, reports surfaced that gangsters broke into Bahati’s home, allegedly targeting him after his online display of cash. While details remain unconfirmed, the incident has intensified public scrutiny and raised concerns about the risks of flaunting wealth online.
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