Singer Kevin Bahati has moved to quell mounting pressure from fans by confirming he will personally deliver the KSh 1 million he promised Harambee Stars after their 1–0 win over Morocco on Saturday, August 9, in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Bahati and his wife, Diana Marua, had made the pledge before the match, but the singer’s silence immediately after the victory drew criticism online, with fans demanding proof that he would follow through.
Video Response to Critics
On Sunday, August 10, Bahati posted a video stepping out of his mansion in a Harambee Stars jersey, holding bundles of cash, and addressing what he called “Kenyans on my case.”
“I promised to gift Harambee Stars players Sh1 million. I’m not very rich, but this gift must get into the hands of the players themselves. Because of CAF rules, I couldn’t access the changing rooms on Sunday,” he explained.
Calling in FKF Deputy Chair
In the clip, Bahati phoned Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Deputy Chairman McDonald Mariga to request clearance to hand over the money directly to the players.
“Kenyans are on my case. They don’t understand that I have to go through FKF to offer my pledge. Just allow me to bring this money to the players,” Bahati told him.
Mariga assured him the squad was on a short break and would be notified when to meet. Bahati opted to deliver the cash at the team’s training ground, joking: “Nawezakasirika nilete ikiwa KSh 3 million.”
The FKF is expected to facilitate the handover once the national team resumes training.