Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has thrown his support behind musician Kevin Bahati’s political ambitions, following the singer’s declaration that he is wealthier than some sitting Members of Parliament.
In a humorous response shared on social media on Tuesday, November 10, Salasya appeared to agree with Bahati’s claims about his financial status while offering him advice ahead of his anticipated bid for the Mathare parliamentary seat.
Bahati had earlier sparked conversations after claiming that he had more money than Salasya and could comfortably pay some MPs.
“Mimi niko sure nina pesa nyingi kuliko MP Peter Salasya. Najua kuna MPs ambao naweza kuwalipa,” Bahati said during an interview.
Responding to the remarks, Salasya appeared unbothered, saying he understood Bahati’s point but was confident that his financial progress would eventually put him ahead of those who looked down on him.
“Ni ukweli, you are very right. But ukienda pole pole, even the people who look down on me, starting with Kibe, ukiwaona kwa mbali, pole pole hawanishindi. But these days I don’t fight; I’m a cool boy,” Salasya wrote, adding a laughing emoji.
However, the MP’s response went beyond the exchange about wealth, as he openly endorsed Bahati’s political ambitions.
Salasya said he was rooting for the musician to win the Mathare parliamentary seat but suggested that he reconsider his signature dreadlocks to appeal to voters who might associate a more conservative appearance with political seriousness.
“I support Bahati, but those dreads of yours are shouting a little too much! Punguza tu kidogo and you will win that seat. I know it’s your brand but kiasi tu kidogo to show some seriousness,” he advised.
Despite poking fun at Bahati’s hairstyle, Salasya made it clear that he believed the singer had a chance of making an impact in politics.
“By the way, I’m rooting for you to win. When you become the MP for Mathare Constituency, I will be the happiest person,” he added.
The exchange comes as Bahati increasingly mixes entertainment with politics, having previously expressed interest in representing Mathare Constituency.
His political ambitions have attracted attention partly because of his celebrity status, business interests and outspoken personality.
The musician would be seeking to translate his popularity in the entertainment industry into political support, a transition that has previously been attempted by several Kenyan celebrities.
Salasya, who represents Mumias East Constituency, has also built a public profile through his outspoken personality, social media engagements and unconventional approach to politics.
The MP has frequently attracted attention for combining political discussions with humour, making him one of the more recognisable personalities in Kenya’s political space.
Away from politics and money, Salasya also took time to praise Bahati’s family, particularly his adopted son Morgan Bahati, formerly known as Morgan Otieno.
The musician previously revealed that he adopted Morgan from ABC Children’s Home after developing a special bond with him more than 15 years ago.
Salasya said he had watched a video of the young boy speaking English and was impressed by his confidence and communication skills.
“I also saw the son you adopted, whose name you changed from Otieno to Bahati. When I listened to the English that boy was speaking, I just said, ‘Oh my God!’ I said to myself you are the best,” he wrote.
He also showered praise on Bahati’s wife, Diana Marua, expressing admiration for the way she had embraced family life.
In a humorous twist, the MP joked that he was also looking for a woman who could adopt him.
“I pray that all women can be like Diana Bahati. Mimi pia natafuta mwanamke mmoja wa kuniadopt!” Salasya joked, leaving social media users with another memorable line.
His comments brought together several topics that have kept Bahati in the public conversation, including his wealth, political ambitions and family life.
While his remarks about the dreadlocks were clearly delivered humorously, they also highlighted the scrutiny public figures face when attempting to transition from entertainment into elective politics.
Bahati’s potential Mathare bid will ultimately depend on his ability to connect with residents and convince voters that he can represent their interests beyond his celebrity status.
For now, Salasya has made his position clear: he supports Bahati’s political journey, even if he believes the musician needs to tone down his hairstyle slightly.
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