Musician Julius Owino aka Juliani has challenged Kenyans over their unwillingness to carry their burden of responsibility over issues touching on their lives.
Speaking on a local TV station on Friday, February 7, 2025, the hiphop artiste offered insights on his perspective of an unpalatable truth Kenyans do not want to embrace.
According to him, Kenyans have the easiest path of viewing themselves as victims of circumstances when in real sense they truly are the architect of our destinies through their actions.
“We are very reluctant to accept the consequences of our actions. Instead, we blame everyone for our predicaments except ourselves. But when we are presented with the choices to make, we make bad choices. It is time we take up responsibility,” he said.
Juliani further spoke on the common stereotypes labelled on Kenyans, which he feels are part of the underlying problem of their collective reluctance to admit and address matters.
“In Kenya its now common thing that people are hesitant to employ fellow Kenyans. It is said a Kenyan won’t pass up a chance to steal, are hardly honest among other vices. Just ask around among the fundis, carpenters and plumbers,” the rapper posited.
While citing his famed song Utawala, Juliani further asserts that the lesson will only be inculcated upon learning that they are personally answerable and responsible.
“If you listen to the wording in my song you will realize I’m addressing myself. I decided to take charge of my affairs. When I speak on the ills in society, the police and everything, I’m fighting to try and change my life. You just don’t tell others to do something,” he added.
Juliani on activism
The rapper also delved into the topic of activism as he strongly rebuffed the narrative that those questioning the government were doing it from a position of hate for the country and the current crop of leaders. The artiste took the opportunity to remind leaders that the calls for accountability from the youths stems from their deep sense of patriotism.
“We live in a society so we have to consistently question ourselves and we have to dream about what is possible consistently. So when we talk about activism and active citizen, it does not mean we hate our country or we hate our leaders,” Juliani stated.
“It means we always have to interrogate ourselves consistently to find the best version of this society,” Juliani added.
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