Willy Paul Snubs Bahati In Elections Congratulatory Message

His differences with Bahati stretch through years and took an ugly turn in December 2021

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Aug 12, 2022 - 16:46 Updated: Aug 12, 2022 - 16:52
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Willy Paul Snubs Bahati In Elections Congratulatory Message
Collage image of Bahati and Willy Paul. /VIRALTEAKE

Nairobi-based musician and songwriter, Wilson Abubakar Radido, alias Willy Paul ignited mixed reactions when he congratulated Mathare Member of Parliament (MP)-elect, Anthony Oluoch at the expense of compatriot Bahati.

In a statement on Instagram on Friday, August 12, the Toto hitmaker lauded Oluoch as the right candidate to lead the people of the Nairobi-based constituency.

He revealed that he was born and raised in Mathare while expressing optimism that it will be in safe hands.

A photo of Willy Paul. /INSTAGRAM

"First, congratulations to the one Antony Oluoch for Winning the Mathare MP seat. You are what the people of Mathare need sir.

"You must have really done a good job, sir, retaining that seat is not easy! Keep pushing, Mathare is my home and I'm glad it's in safe hands again," he wrote.

He also congratulated Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o, who clinched the Lang'ata parliamentary seat 

"Jalang'o congratulations, you are a living legend and you inspire me a lot. Now take the people of Lang'ata to the next level mheshimiwa (legislator)," he noted.

However, a section of his fans commented by stating that he was subtly mocking Bahati, his long-time rival, who finished third in the parliamentary race.

His differences with Bahati stretch through years and took an ugly turn in December 2021 when he mocked the Najua hitmaker's wife, Diana Marua, who had launched her music career as a rapper.

This triggered an explosive duel featuring Diana accusing Willy Paul of attempted rape and the controversial singer cried foul about how it cost him business deals.

The contest saw Oluoch of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party secure his seat for another term, with Billian Ojiwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) coming in second. 

Oluoch won with 28,098 votes while Ojiwa came in second with 16,912 votes.

Bahati, who was contesting under President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party, finished third with 8,166 votes. He had raised claims of rigging in the constituency, stating that 21 ballot boxes were tampered with.

Bahati with his wife, Diana Marua. /FILE

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