The Jubilee Party has confirmed musician-turned-politician Kevin Mbuvi Kioko, known as Bahati, will contest the Mathare parliamentary seat following a high-profile dispute. Party Secretary-General Jeremiaj Kioni announced the decision during a Nairobi press conference on May 13, emphasizing youth representation in coalition agreements.
Kioni stated the party ensured equal opportunities for members, saying, "You have an equal opportunity like any other person in Jubilee, which is why we have given you back the ticket." This followed Bahati's emotional breakdown two weeks prior when asked to step aside for ODM candidate Anthony Oluoch.
Bahati expressed gratitude for the reinstatement, pledging to represent Mathare as MP. "Today I am not crying, so I would like to thank my party leader for giving not only Bahati the opportunity but also the youth of this country an opportunity to lead," he said. He acknowledged challenges in coalition zoning arrangements but affirmed his commitment to the role.
The party attributed the nomination controversy to existing agreements within the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance. ODM had previously raised concerns about Jubilee fielding a candidate in what they considered their electoral territory, according to Kanini Kega.
