On May 31, 2022, the Independence Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared singer Bahati to vie for the Mathare constituency in the August General Election.
Born Kevin Kioko, Bahati is a gospel-turned-secular artiste who has been vocal about his wishes to represent the people of Mathare.
"It's time to change our leadership," Bahati wrote on Instagram, sharing the news with his fans.
"Finally cleared by the IEBC. Thank you God, thank you Jubilee Party, thank you Mathare for entrusting me with this opportunity to bring the change we have been longing for," he added.
Bahati has been optimistic about his chances, despite being urged to drop his parliamentary bid in favor of an ODM aspirant just days after receiving his nomination certificate to fly Jubilee's flag in the coming elections.
"I am not buying the Independent talk because I feel that's like betraying my party. And I believe also the party will not betray the young people," he said.
Bahati, who was born and raised in Mathare, understands the plight of his people and is eager to represent them in parliament.
"Mathare is where I was born and raised, it is the place that made me who I am. We have been wanting and crying for change. If I can do something to better the lives of people in Mathare, why not go for it. Mathare people are going through the same problems I went through more than 20 years ago," he said.
