Kenyan singer and public figure Bahati had an overwhelming encounter with fans during an appearance in Nairobi on Saturday, July 26.
What was meant to be a celebratory crowd moment quickly turned into chaos when overexcited fans mobbed him, snatching off his cap and one of his diamond earrings.
The artist later revealed that the missing cap was no ordinary accessory—it had been signed by the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant and held deep sentimental value. Shortly after the incident, Bahati took to Instagram to appeal to the public:
“Whoever picked my cap, I’ll give you 50K. That cap had sentimental value. It was signed by Kobe Bryant.”
He confirmed that one of his diamond earrings, estimated at KSh 100,000, also vanished in the fray. In his Instagram stories, Bahati asked his team whether they could track down the earring, only to be told “ni kama imeenda.”
Clips of the incident circulated quickly online, showing the moment Bahati was rushed by the crowd and had to be escorted away in haste. Reactions ranged from amused to critical.
@itsnattynats commented:“Mbona unakimbizwa kama mwizi at the end.”
@keymoney.official joked:“Definitely me pale kwa stage ya matatu.”
Others had sympathy:
“This is not okay. Let’s not pretend this is normal fan love. He deserves better protection.”
Despite the dramatic scene, Bahati remained composed. In a follow-up post, he downplayed the hostility of the moment and leaned into his roots, writing:
“Wanaweza nichukua earrings na cap but bado mimi ndiye influence yao.”
(They can take my earrings and cap, but I’m still their influence.)
The statement was defiant—one that framed the incident less as a loss and more as a reminder of how strongly his presence resonates, especially in places where his music and personal story continue to strike a chord.
Bahati has not indicated whether he plans to take additional security measures, but he remains hopeful that the cap will be returned. For now, he seems content to let his influence speak for itself.
“Even when the crowd snatches things from you, you don’t stop showing up. That’s what makes you one of them.” He weighed in.