Jubilee Finally Nominates Singer Bahati for Mathare MP

Jubilee party has finally rescinded its decision to zone Mathare Constituency as an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stronghold.

The President Uhuru Kenyatta-led outfit had weeks ago decided to pull its candidate and instead allow the incumbent, Anthony Oluoch, run for the seat.

Jubilee and ODM are among the 24 Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition member parties.

But on Friday, the party handed the nomination certificate to singer Kevin Kioko alias Bahati.

Read: Bahati in Tears After Jubilee Asked Him to Step Aside in Favour of Mathare ODM Candidate (Video)

The crooner had a fortnight ago wept on live television following the party’s decision to pull him out of the race.

Bahati told reporters that he had been asked to step aside in favour of Oluoch.

He alleged that the party recalled the nomination certificate even after opinion polls showed that he was the most popular candidate.

“I was told to step down after receiving the nomination certificate,” he said.

Read Also: Jubilee Unveils Singer Bahati as Mathare MP Candidate

The crooner asked his party leader and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance flagbearer Raila Odinga to give the youth a chance to lead.

The Mtoto wa Mama hitmaker stated that he was the best person to lead the people of Mathare.

However, the singer assured Mathare residents that he would not step aside as he maintained that his name will be on the ballot come August 9.

“I personally have made a decision that I’m not backing down from the race. My name will be on the ballot on August 9,” he continued.

Read Also: Nakuru Town East Voters Confused as Two Claim to be Duly Nominated Jubilee MP Candidates

“I was competing against four others and I followed the process. I did everything as per the Constitution.”

He also asserted that he will continue supporting the Azimio presidential candidate.

In March, the MP hopeful was received by the party elections director Kanini Kega at the party headquarters in Pangani.

Bahati said he had been receiving unending calls and requests from his constituents to represent them in parliament.

Read Also: ODM, Jubilee Urge DP Ruto To “Do the Right Thing” and Resign

“Mtaani wananijua kama mtoto wa mama, wengine wananijua kama mtoto wa Diana but kutoka leo mimi naitwa mtoto wa Mathare,” he said.

The hitmaker further noted that Mathare lacked a leader who understands their plight.

“I was born and raised in Mathare and for the last three decades our biggest challenge is that we have never had a leader who was born and raised in Mathare. We have been electing leaders but it’s time for Mathare to get a son who was born and raised here and understands the people,” he stated.