Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo has publicly criticised Kenyan musician Kevin Bahati for failing to fulfil a KSh 1 million promise made to the national football team after their victory over Morocco during the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Shikalo, known for his composure on the pitch, expressed deep disappointment in Bahati’s actions, accusing the singer of using the team’s success to chase clout. Speaking during an interview with media personality Alex Mwakideu, Shikalo said the team felt disrespected after Bahati went silent following his grand pledge.
“Bahati, mdomo tu. Alitafuta kiki tu na team ya taifa,” Shikalo stated. He added, “We work hard in our professions. When someone sees that effort, they should respect it. If you make a promise, you should honour it.”
During CHAN 2024, hosted in Kenya in August, Bahati and his wife Diana Marua promised KSh 1 million to the Harambee Stars players if they defeated Morocco, one of Africa’s top football sides and a 2022 World Cup semi-finalist. Kenya went on to claim a historic 1-0 victory despite playing most of the match with ten men after Crispine Erambo’s red card.
According to Shikalo, the team expected Bahati to deliver the reward as promised. However, weeks passed without any sign of payment. Bahati later claimed CAF regulations prevented him from accessing the players after the match, and he alleged his efforts were being blocked by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President McDonald Mariga. He even leaked private WhatsApp chats to defend himself, but the money never reached the players.
Shikalo dismissed these excuses, saying the team deserved better. “Bahati is one of the most popular musicians in the country, and we respect him. But what he did was not right. When he performs, we support him by buying tickets. So if he says he will support us, he should do the same,” he explained.
He also criticised Bahati’s reported desire to publicise the cash handover, saying that genuine support does not require media attention. “Even leaders like Raila Odinga have supported players privately without cameras. It is about unity, not publicity,” Shikalo said.
Media personality Fred Arocho echoed Shikalo’s sentiments, revealing that he had tried reaching out to Bahati several times to follow up on the pledge but received no response. Arocho urged the musician to stop chasing fame at the expense of Kenya’s national team.
Farouk Shikalo’s remarks have drawn wide support from fans, who praised him for standing up for the team’s dignity. Many agreed that public figures should keep their promises, especially when their pledges boost national pride and morale.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in public commitments. For Shikalo and his teammates, the CHAN 2024 victory remains a moment of pride, but the unfulfilled promise by Bahati has cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of unity and celebration.
