Singer-turned politician Bahati has disclosed that he has spent Ksh33 million since beginning his campaign for Mathare MP and that he is prepared to spend Ksh10 million more on Tuesday, August 9.
Speaking in an interview with Tanzanian blogger Millard Ayo, the “mama” hitmaker claims that campaigning for a parliamentary seat goes up to about Ksh50 million.
Adding that his campaign, which has not been a ride in the park, has helped him garner support for a portion of the campaign funds he has gathered.
“Mimi nimekuwa nasupportiwa sana na watu. Kutoka mashabiki, marafiki, pia my party Jubilee imekuwa very supportive sana. Unajua Chama cha rais, you know I appreciate that.
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“Ingawa wakati wengine nikilia kwa TV hawaongei lakini wamenisupport sana,” he disclosed.
If he is to reduce his elections budget, he aspires for Ksh7 million, cash that he gladly requests, and believes would cover a range of expenses during the polls.
“Wakati mwingine, naitisha support. Sababu siku ya election day budget ya election day ni around Ksh10 million, yenye itaendea mambo mengi. Agents, nini na nini. Yani hiyo ndio the actual budget yangu ya tare tisa mwezi wa nane. Ikieenda chini sana, milioni saba,” he added.
When questioned if he used any money from his music during the campaign, Bahati stated that he donated Ksh10 million from his music to the campaign.
The father-to-be reveals that if he wins the MP seat, his monthly salary would be Ksh1 million per month; nevertheless, he emphasizes that this is not the reason he is running, as he is more inspired by what he will do for the people.
“Mimi naingiza hela mingi kuliko mshahara ya mbunge kwa mwezi. Lakini, sio mshara ambao unanipeleka kwa kile kiti. I’m going there (Mathare)kwa sababu, the budget ambayo huwa inapeanwa ifikie watu wa Mathare, watu wa nyumbani, ambayo inapitia kwa mbunge, yule jamaa hafikishi.
“Hiyo ndiyo sababu kubwa. Naenda pale, niweze kufikisha ile pesa kwa watu, ambao ndio wanahitaji zaidi,” said Bahati.
