Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communications Philip Etale has fired back at gospel singer Kevin Kioko, famously known as Bahati, after the artiste stated he only accepts criticism from wealthy individuals.

In an X post on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Etale reminded Bahati that material wealth does not guarantee legacy, warning him against pride and arrogance.

“We have heard you, bro… But when I remember how Mobutu Sese Seko’s mansion is surrounded by grass and has become home to snakes and other wild creatures, I shudder to say, ‘tucheze chini’. Pride comes before the fall,” Etale wrote.

His remarks were in response to Bahati’s bold statement, where he dismissed criticism from ordinary Kenyans.

“I only allow you to HATE on me if you have a mansion, a G-Waggon & a Range Rover at your parking… The rest is noise-making, and you should be busy working hard to become like me,” Bahati had posted.

Pledge to Harambee Stars

This comes a few days after former Harambee Stars midfielder McDonald Mariga broke his silence following Bahati’s public pledge to gift Harambee Stars Ksh1 million, accusing the musician of making empty promises and using the team’s name for clout.

Speaking on a call posted on social media with Silva Kido on Friday, August 29, 2025, Mariga revealed that Bahati had initially reached out to him, insisting he wanted to support the national team with the generous cash donation. However, according to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president, what followed was a series of excuses, delays, and unreturned calls.

“Huyo jamaa alinipigia mara ya kwanza akisema atapatiana one million. But amekua akinizungusha nikimpigia hashiki, mara sijui yuko wapi, yuko sijui Naivasha. Yaani hata vitu zake haziko clear,” Mariga said.

The former Harambee Stars player dismissed Bahati’s claims as insincere, accusing him of being more concerned with social media publicity than genuine support for the national team.

Mariga expressed his frustration, stating that he is not the kind of person to beg or chase anyone around, especially over promises that seem staged for online attention.

Read Also: Revealed: Why September is Every Man’s Favorite Month

“Unajua mimi si mtu wa kufatana na mtu na sipendi waongo. Unajua hizo vitu zao za kujionyesha kwa mtandao, sifanyangi hizo. So nikawacha kushika simu zake pia,” he explained.

The star emphasised that if Bahati truly intends to help Harambee Stars, he should do so directly and with sincerity, rather than dragging others into unnecessary publicity stunts. He further warned the musician against using people’s names for personal gain.

“Hizo vitu zote anasema ni uwongo; awache kuharibia watu jina. Acha kujipush na majina ya watu kwa sababu hiyo ni tabia yake. Na mimi namgoja alete hizo pesa aongee kama mwanaume,” Mariga added firmly.