Musician Kevin Kioko, famously known as Bahati, has declared his intention to run for the position of Nairobi Governor in the 2027 elections, posing a challenge to the incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Bahati made this announcement during an event held at Zetech University, where he also pledged to pursue an undergraduate degree.

"Mnajua nilianguka MP lakini juu nasimama governor nakuja hapa kufanya degree." (You know I did not succeed as an MP, but since I will be contesting for the gubernatorial seat, I will come here to pursue my degree.)

Bahati's venture into politics began in 2022 when he secured the Jubilee Party ticket to run for the Mathare Parliamentary seat. However, his political journey took a tumultuous turn when he faced immense pressure to withdraw from the race.

Overwhelmed by the challenges, Bahati broke down during a media statement and expressed his dissatisfaction with the Azimio la Umoja coalition's decision to back ODM's Anthony Oluoch for the parliamentary seat. He appealed to then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, requesting an opportunity for the youth to participate in the election.

"I respect you, my president, and I respect Raila Amollo Odinga, but please, give the youth of this country a chance. I understand there is zoning, and Mathare has been designated as an ODM stronghold, but just this once, grant the youth of this country an opportunity. Allow the people of Mathare to choose the leader they've always desired," Bahati stated at the time.

Despite the challenges, Bahati continued his campaign but ended up at the bottom of the candidate list. Oluoch secured a significant lead with 28,098 votes, followed by Billian Ojiwa of UDA, who came in second with 16,912 votes, while Bahati only managed to garner 8,166 votes.

Following his parliamentary bid loss, Bahati remained silent on his social media platforms for nearly two months. Feeling disillusioned by what he perceived as a "betrayal," he left the Jubilee Party and joined President William Ruto's UDA party, a move confirmed by UDA's Secretary-General, Cleophas Malala.

"Bahati mtoto wa mama has officially defected from the Jubilee party, and now he is officially a member of the UDA," stated Malala during a press conference.