For over 20 years, the story of Kevin Bahati has been one of a ‘Mathare boy’ who conquered the odds after losing his mother at a tender age.
But that foundational narrative is now being challenged by a woman from Western Kenya who insists she is the mother he thought he buried.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, February 10, the singer-turned-politician shared a surreal video of a telephone conversation with a woman who has spent months “pursuing” him through social media.
Initially dismissing the claims as a “clout-chasing” stunt, Bahati admitted that the woman’s persistence has forced him to take her seriously.
The revelation has sent shockwaves through the singer’s fanbase, primarily because Bahati has always been vocal about his mother’s death.
He previously revealed that she died 25 years ago and that he personally attended the funeral—a memory that is now being called into question.
“This issue is confusing because I am Kamba and this woman is Luhya,” Bahati admitted.
“When the story went viral, I thought it was just clout, but she kept sending messages. It was only wise that I met her to hear her side.”
During the recorded phone call, the woman—who had traveled to Kakamega County to enroll her daughter in school—became overwhelmed with emotion upon realizing she was speaking to the superstar.
“Waah Bahati… my child, I’m sorry. I have searched for you my son… I long to see you so much,” she sobbed during the call.
View this post on Instagram
In a twist that many netizens found questionable, she then pleaded with the singer to send her money for transport back to the city, a request he reportedly granted.
While some fans are urging the star to perform a DNA test to settle the matter, others remain skeptical.
Bahati has a long history of utilizing dramatic personal revelations to promote his music and reality shows, leading many to believe this could be a “marketing masterclass” ahead of a new project.
However, the raw emotion in the woman’s voice has left a shadow of doubt. Is she a grieving mother finally finding her way back to her son, or a clever actress in a high-stakes digital drama? The world will find out this Friday.
Related: ‘Enough is enough’: Bahati comes out to address man claiming to be his biological father
