After months away from the music scene, Bahati has returned with a bang, but it’s not just his new track that has tongues wagging.
The former gospel star, best known for hits like Adhiambo and Mtoto wa Mama, recently dropped his latest song Seti, and the video has been the talk of the town, thanks to his daring outfit.
In the video, Bahati struts out in a maroon suit paired with heels, golden jewellery and customised earrings.
While some fans applauded the bold look, others felt he had taken things too far, with social media quickly erupting into jokes, criticism and heated debate.
Even celebrated designer Bolo Bespoke, who confirmed he crafted the outfit, was quick to distance himself from the heels.
“With all due respect, I would like to clarify that although I made the garment, I had no involvement in the making of the shoes. My client Mr Bahati Kioko never consulted me on pairing them with my design. The suit took me years of expertise, energy and time to create, and I would like to distance myself, and even my wife Mueni, from the shoes,” Bolo wrote on Instagram.
Not everyone was impressed. “I am so disappointed with you,” lamented Mash Mwana.
Maria Tsuma, drew comparisons to flamboyant Nigerian stylist Swanky Jerry, calling Bahati “Swanky Jerry wa Kamukunji.”
Long-time fans who remember Bahati’s gospel days were vocal, with one follower urging him to “reflect on where the rain started beating you” and return to God.
The uproar didn’t end with the outfit. The video itself, laced with suggestive lyrics and imagery, received equally sharp criticism. In a surprising twist, Bahati’s wife, influencer and rapper Diana Marua, also issued a statement making her stance clear.
“While I respect his journey as an artist and the choices he makes for his career, my focus is different,” she explained. “I am committed to my businesses, my partnerships and the brands that trust me. Out of respect for my family, my partners and the people who look up to me, I will not be involved in the direction Bahati has recently taken.”
This is not the first time Bahati has caused a stir by experimenting with female-inspired fashion. He joins a growing list of Kenyan personalities, including Dennis Karuri, Kinuthia and former Sauti Sol member Chimano, who have embraced cross-dressing as part of their artistic expression.