Legendary Rhumba musician Mbilia Bel has declared full support for the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition flagbearer Raila Odinga, pledging to sing until he becomes the president.
In an interview with the Nation, Bel said Azimio candidate Raila Odinga’s move to pick a woman as a running mate prompted her to start singing for the coalition.
“I am here voluntarily, and for the love of Raila Odinga, and his running mate. I will sing until Mr Odinga is sworn in after August 9 as the next President of Kenya. I am supporting Mr Odinga because of his manifesto and the handshake he had with President Uhuru Kenyatta that brought the country together.
“I personally respect Mr Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua as they are like our parents …. because Mr Odinga has a lot of respect for my music and other artistes’ music.
“When he comes to Congo, he supports us to spread peace among the people of Africa. Now they have come together with President Kenyatta and given women a lead in politics, something that I appreciate a lot, and that’s why it was not a problem performing at his campaign,” she said.
Last week, in an interview in Nairobi with veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka of Royal Media Services, Bel expressed her delight that she had been invited to perform in Kenya again.
“Kenya is like my second musical home and I always feel honoured to be invited to perform here,” she said.
The mother of three said she decided to support Mr Odinga because of his promises to Kenyans and moving people out of poverty.
“Do not forget, William Ruto is a Kenyan too, but for me, I chose the leader who spoke to my heart and preached unity and peace for the African people. That is why I am supporting Mr Odinga through my music,” she said.
The “Nakei Nairobi” (Lingala for “I am going to Nairobi”) hit maker made headlines recently after she was seen performing and dancing sensually with Mr Odinga on the campaign trail at the Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega County.
Mr Odinga invited her to sing “Nakei Nairobi”, one of her most popular songs.
The promoter of her tour, Jules Nsana, who runs JNsana Promotions, said Bel and her band would be in the country a few more days, with the possibility of staging additional concerts.
Bel had a string of hit songs with singer and band leader Tabu Ley Rochereau and is popular across East Africa.
