Controversial Kenyan musician and businessman Kevin Bahati Kioko has once again captured public attention with a bold social media post regarding his financial aspirations for 2026.
The artist, known for his flair for the dramatic, has publicly asked for a massive financial “test” to see how wealth might change his character.
A Billion-Dollar Request
In a vividly composed post, Bahati shared an image of himself in a prayerful stance within what appears to be a church setting.
He is seen wearing an ornate, cream and white traditional outfit, complete with a beaded cap, his hands pressed together, and his eyes cast upward.
The text overlaying the image reads: “Lord, please test me with $1 billion. I want to know my true colours when I have money.”
At current exchange rates, this request amounts to approximately Ksh 129 billion (based on an average rate of $1 = 129 KES).
Unfulfilled Pledges and Financial Scrutiny
The post comes at a time when Bahati’s financial transparency has been under intense scrutiny. In August 2025, during the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the singer made a high-profile pledge to the national football team, Harambee Stars.
He promised to reward the players for their performance, yet reports indicate that the pledge remains unfulfilled months later.
This has led to a wave of criticism from fans who question the sincerity of his public financial declarations. Earlier in 2025, Bahati made several controversial statements regarding his net worth, claiming to be one of the wealthiest musicians in East Africa.
“I am not just an artist; I am a brand and a business mogul. My net worth reflects years of hard work, not just hits.” — Kevin Bahati.
The 2025 Financial Backdrop
Throughout 2025, Bahati has faced questions about his various business ventures, which span music production and real estate. While he often showcases a lavish lifestyle—including high-end vehicles and luxury travel—financial analysts have noted a lack of documented proof for his multi-billion-shilling net worth claims.
Industry experts estimate the combined wealth of top-tier Kenyan artists to be significant, but few reach the billion-shilling mark in liquid assets.
Bahati’s 2026 “test” request is seen by some as a strategic move to keep his brand at the centre of the “wealth conversation” in the entertainment industry.
As 2025 draws to a close, Bahati remains a polarising figure. Whether his 2026 prayer is answered or remains a digital performance, it has successfully ignited a national conversation about money, faith, and accountability in the celebrity space.
BY moses sagwe
