Kenyan musician Bahati has come to the defence of his wife, Diana Marua, after she faced significant backlash on social media. The controversy followed a video she posted—and later deleted—showing her interviewing their son, Morgan Bahati, regarding unrest at Lenana School.
The incident occurred shortly after Diana picked Morgan up from the national school, which had been closed temporarily due to student-led tension and unrest.
Speaking to entertainment journalists during the grand launch of the Kamba Festival 2026, Bahati addressed the public’s reaction and his wife’s decision to remove the footage.
‘Spontaneous’ Content Creation
Bahati described Diana’s approach to content as natural and unplanned. He suggested that the video was a reflection of her personality rather than a calculated move to cause controversy.
"Diana is a content creator, so she is very spontaneous. She is very random," Bahati told reporters.
He noted that the decision to pull down the video came after the couple received numerous calls and observed the trending criticism online. Despite the backlash, Bahati remained supportive of his wife, characterising the move as a reaction to the immediate feedback they received from their audience.
“We saw later when people were calling and all that then I think she pulled down the video,” he added.
Concerns Over School Unrest
The interview shifted from family matters to the broader issue of strikes and discipline in Kenyan schools. Bahati expressed concern for the "Gen Alpha" generation, urging students to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. He referenced recent incidents, such as the fire at Utumishi Academy, to highlight how quickly school protests can turn dangerous.
Bahati emphasised that the four years spent in secondary school are a critical foundation for the rest of a student's life. He warned that a single mistake during a strike could ruin a future that could last 70 to 100 years.
"What you are doing right now in school will determine the many years that you live outside. You live more out there in the outside world than the time you'll be in school," he added.
The Case for Boarding Schools
Despite the current wave of unrest across various institutions, Bahati remains a firm supporter of the boarding school system. He dismissed recent debates about abolishing boarding schools in Kenya, arguing that they teach children essential responsibilities that they might not learn at home.
He credited Morgan’s academic success and admission to Lenana School to the discipline instilled in boarding institutions. Bahati revealed that he plans to enrol all his children in boarding schools once they reach Grade 6.
Community and Future Plans
The musician was at the event to pledge his support for his community and the Kamba Festival 2026. He announced that he would perform at the festival for free and is contributing one million Kenyan shillings towards advertising and supporting the vision of the organisers.
As schools grapple with discipline issues, Bahati suggested that the removal of corporal punishment has contributed to current challenges. He called for new ways to instill discipline, stating that students must learn that life in the "outside world" does not always go their way.
