Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President and legendary midfielder McDonald Mariga has launched a scathing attack on singer-turned-politician Bahati, accusing him of failing to honor a Ksh 1 million pledge he made to Harambee Stars.
The explosive fallout comes weeks after Bahati, in a grand public gesture, promised the national football team Ksh 1 million following their spirited performance against Morocco. The pledge, widely celebrated at the time, was hailed as a morale boost for both players and fans.
Mariga: “Bahati is a pathetic liar”
Speaking on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Mariga did not mince his words:
- “Whenever I call him about the money, he gives excuses that don’t make sense.”
- “No one forced him to pledge, he did it publicly.”
- “I don’t do clout-chasing, so I stopped picking his calls.”
The FKF Vice President’s sharp remarks have since ignited heated debate both in sporting and entertainment circles.
Broken promises and frustration within the team
According to insiders, several Harambee Stars players have privately expressed frustration over the delayed pledge. What was initially seen as a patriotic act now feels, to many, like a publicity stunt.
The team, which has long battled challenges such as poor funding, inconsistent allowances, and lack of adequate support, was expecting Bahati’s pledge to make a real difference. Instead, weeks later, the money remains undelivered.
Public opinion: clout chasing or genuine mistake?
Bahati, known for his dramatic entry into politics and highly publicized lifestyle, has faced backlash before for being more showbiz than substance. Many Kenyans now view the Ksh 1M promise as another episode of celebrity clout-chasing.
On social media, fans and critics alike have urged Bahati to “put his money where his mouth is”, with some even demanding that he apologize to the players for raising false hopes. Others argue that as a public figure and politician, his words carry weight — and failure to honor such pledges damages trust.
Pressure mounts on Bahati to deliver
With Mariga’s fiery remarks making headlines, pressure is now intensifying on Bahati to redeem his image by fulfilling his promise. Analysts note that such controversies can erode credibility, especially for a figure straddling both entertainment and political careers.
For Harambee Stars and their loyal fans, the issue is about more than just money — it’s about respect, integrity, and genuine support for the sport.
