Kenyan singer Bahati sparked controversy by claiming his young daughter, Malaika, is “more famous” than former footballer McDonald Mariga, dismissing accusations of seeking social media clout.

• Bahati stated his daughter, Malaika, is “even more famous” than Mariga, citing follower counts.
• The claim was made during an Instagram interview on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
• Bahati also expressed frustration with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), alleging sabotage in his attempt to fulfill a Ksh1 million promise to the Harambee Stars, due to disputes over direct player payments versus alternative channels.