In a classic case of celebrity clashes spilling into the public domain, Kenyan musician turned politician Bahati has hit back at former football star and fellow politician McDonald Mariga over accusations of clout chasing. Mariga had earlier accused Bahati of using his name for publicity—an allegation Bahati dismissed with characteristic bravado, stating, “Even my last born daughter is more famous than Mariga.”
This bold statement, laced with sarcasm and confidence, is more than just a rebuttal. It reflects the ongoing shift in Kenyan public life, where fame and influence are increasingly being measured by digital footprints rather than traditional accolades. While Mariga built his reputation on the football field, playing in Europe and representing Kenya internationally, Bahati’s fame is anchored in music, reality TV, and a massive online following.
Bahati’s response also hints at a deeper generational divide. In the current social media age, followers, likes, and online engagement are currency. Bahati questions Mariga’s relevance in this landscape: “Mariga ana followers wangapi?”—a rhetorical question suggesting that influence today is not just about past achievements but about current visibility and public engagement.
Furthermore, the mention of his last born daughter, presumably a toddler, adds a layer of mockery to his statement. It’s an exaggerated way of saying Mariga’s star has dimmed so much that even someone with no deliberate public presence (like a child) could overshadow him in today’s fame economy.
But beyond the personal jabs, the exchange raises questions about the nature of influence in modern Kenya. What does it mean to be relevant? Is it about having a track record of success, or is it about staying visible and connected to the public? For Bahati, it seems, the answer is clear: relevance is measured by the noise you can make—and the people who are listening.
In conclusion, Bahati’s sharp comeback to Mariga’s clout-chasing claims is more than just celebrity drama. It’s a reflection of how fame has evolved in the digital era, where visibility often trumps legacy, and even the youngest among us—quite literally—can be more “famous” than national icons of the past.
