Musician Kevin Bahati has turned his much-publicised Sh1 million-per-invitation wedding to Diana Marua into a political campaign launch, leaving guests who expected to witness the couple exchange vows with an unexpected announcement.
Bahati used the November 6, 2026 event at Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi to declare his intention to contest the Mathare parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Rather than proceeding with the highly anticipated wedding ceremony, the singer appeared before guests and livestream viewers against a backdrop displaying his portrait and the words MP MATHARE 2027.
He then confirmed his political ambitions, revealing that the wedding narrative had served as a publicity strategy to draw attention to his next move.
“I want to announce, and I want to make it official that I, Bahati Kioko, will be vying as the next Member of Parliament for Mathare Constituency,” he declared.
The announcement brought an unexpected end to weeks of speculation surrounding his planned wedding to Diana, with the couple having promoted the occasion as a celebration of their 10 years together.
The publicity campaign began on October 7, when Bahati and Diana announced plans to formalise their relationship through a lavish wedding scheduled for November 6.
Bahati presented the ceremony as a special anniversary gift to Diana, explaining that he wanted to celebrate their decade together by finally making their union official.
“Finally, it’s time to mark a decade of love. My love, I give you gifts to celebrate you every year, and this year we are celebrating 10 years, and instead of giving you 10 gifts, I have decided to make it official,” he said.
However, the announcement attracted even greater attention when the couple introduced an unusual condition for prospective guests. They limited attendance to 100 people and set the price of each invitation at Sh1 million, potentially generating Sh100 million if every available invitation sold.
“On this special day we will only have 100 people in attendance, and anyone that would like to attend must pay Ksh 1 million to get the invite,” Bahati announced.
Diana also promoted the November 6 date, encouraging interested guests to purchase invitations.
The million-shilling price tag triggered widespread debate, with some Kenyans questioning the decision to charge people to attend a wedding while others followed the couple’s preparations with curiosity.
Bahati defended the arrangement, describing the occasion as an exclusive celebration for wealthy guests.
“The Bahati’s big day on the 6th of November is all about the ballers,” he said.
The couple’s invitation campaign attracted personalities from entertainment, business, religious and political circles, with several publicly confirming that they had secured invitations.
Among the most notable names was beauty entrepreneur Phoina Tosha, who presented two cheques worth Sh2 million for two invitations. She indicated that she intended to attend the occasion with her partner.
Forex trader Kenyan Prince also attracted attention after reportedly paying Sh1.1 million, comprising Sh1 million for his invitation and an additional Sh100,000 for fuel.
Other personalities linked to the invitation campaign included Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Bonfire Adventures founders Simon and Sarah Kabu, musician KRG The Don, Pastor Victor Kanyari, Reverend Lucy Natasha, businessman Gibson Mise and Bed Palace Kenya CEO Lylet Kinga.
Content creator Mbavu Destroyer also secured an invitation through sponsorship from Mdosie.
Although the couple had promised to host 100 guests, they did not release a comprehensive official attendance list.
The unexpected political announcement attracted reactions from guests who had attended expecting a wedding celebration.
Bahati’s political announcement marks another attempt by the musician to enter elective politics after previously pursuing the Mathare parliamentary seat.
The singer has repeatedly connected his ambitions to his upbringing in the constituency, arguing that his childhood experiences give him an understanding of the challenges facing its residents.
Speaking during the November 6 announcement, he explained why he believes Mathare needs a representative who grew up in the area.
“I was born and raised in Mathare. We have never had a leader born and raised in Mathare. It’s time to have a leader from Mathare who understands issues affecting them,” he said.
He further used a local expression to emphasise his argument that outsiders might not fully understand the community’s everyday struggles.
“Mgeni hajui kama mnakulanga strungi na ugali,” he added.
Bahati’s entry into the 2027 race sets up a potential contest against incumbent Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, who currently represents the constituency in Parliament.
Reports have also linked the musician’s political ambitions to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
