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NAIROBI, Kenya — Musician-turned-politician Kevin Bahati has declared that Mathare constituency has suffered decades of slow development because it has never been led by a Member of Parliament born and raised within the informal settlement.
Speaking during a live media interview on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the artist detailed the drive behind his political ambitions.
He sharply contrasted his personal roots in the area with what he described as “imposed” candidates.
“Mathare has never had an MP—or rather a leader—who is born, raised, schooled, and bred in Mathare,” Bahati stated.
He emphasized that addressing high poverty levels requires a leader with lived experience.
Bahati criticized political coalitions for handing tickets to outsiders.
He noted that party lineups often fulfill electoral quotas rather than local needs.
This practice leaves residents with representatives detached from everyday struggles.
“Because of political alignment, unakuja unaletwa unaambiwa [you are brought and told] there is a constituency where we don’t have a candidate,” Bahati explained.
“That is how we get our MPs,” he added.
He argued that this dynamic directly delays crucial development projects.
“After elections, huyu mtu anaanza kutafuta sasa nitaanzia wapi kwa hii slum [this person starts figuring out where to begin in the slum],” Bahati observed.
“You don’t know the issues facing the youth, kids, or women,” he stated.
“That’s why development imekuwa [has been] very slow.”
Reflecting on his parliamentary debut in 2022, Bahati admitted his timing was flawed.
He finished third in that contest, securing 8,166 votes.
He recalled performing at 2017 political rallies while former schoolmates worked as hired goons.
That experience initially sparked his ambition to seek elective office.
“You are brought to endorse someone you know hasn’t helped the neighborhood,” he disclosed.
“I feel like running was the best decision I made,” Bahati reflected.
“However, politically it was a mistake because I came in so late.”
Entering the race late left many voters unaware of his candidature.
Bahati is determined to correct that mistake ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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