“I Was 20 And Single”- Bahati Recounts Adopting Son Morgan From Mathare 15 Years Ago

Gospel-turned-secular musician Bahati (Kevin Kioko) has shared the emotional story behind adopting his eldest son, Morgan, revealing that he took on parental responsibilities when he was barely 20 years old, single, and financially unstable.

In a social media post published on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the artist recounted meeting Morgan over 15 years ago following his initial breakthrough in the music industry with his hit single Mama.

Morgan, an orphan rescued from the streets of Mathare, was staying at the ABC Children’s Home—the same facility that raised and supported Bahati during his own childhood.

“Despite my desire to give back to the community and the burden I had to change Morgan’s life, this wasn’t an easy decision,” Bahati reflected.

Early Struggles of Single Parenthood

Bahati detailed the challenges of navigating early fatherhood while attempting to launch a career without a steady income or domestic help.

“To be honest, I was barely 20 years old, still poor, single and struggling to make it as a musician, not even able to afford a house help, so I ended up being a dad, a mum, a nanny, a cook… all at the same time,” he wrote.

He humorously recalled the makeshift conditions under which they lived during those early years: “Kuna masiku tulikula chakula haijaiva… ilikuwa noma!”

From Mathare Streets to Lenana School

Reflecting on Morgan’s transformation over the past decade and a half, the singer expressed pride in his son’s growth and academic progress.

Now officially named Morgan Bahati Kioko, the young man has grown into an eloquent student currently attending Lenana School, representing a full-circle moment for the family.