Kenyan rapper and social impact advocate Julius Owino, popularly known as Juliani, has sparked fresh discourse after offering a candid perspective on the role of government in shaping the lives of ordinary citizens.
In a post shared on his X account on Monday, June 30, 2025, the artiste made it clear that he does not desire a government that imposes its own blueprint on the people.
Juliani stated that he already has his own plans, as do millions of Kenyans across the country, and what is needed is not state-led direction but a leadership that supports, not stifles, personal ambition.
He noted that people are aware of what they want to do with their lives and require space, not control, to bring those plans to life.
“I do not want a government that has a plan. I have my own plans, and so do millions of Kenyans. They know what they need to do,” he said, expressing frustration with leadership that presumes to speak or act on behalf of people’s dreams.
He added that the role of government should be to ensure that those pursuing personal progress are protected rather than punished.
Juliani emphasised that the real need is for systems that clear the path, not construct new hurdles.
“We want a government that will not kill us for pursuing our plans,” he remarked.
The artiste further explained that the presence of rigid frameworks and unnecessary restrictions has, for too long, suffocated innovation, saying what is required is an administration that eliminates barriers, not one that manufactures them.
“We need one that reduces, and not creates, more entry barriers for our plans not to succeed,” he stated.
Police brutality
The sentiment by the ‘Bahasha ya Ocampo’ crooner comes just months after he released a new track tackling the ongoing issues of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.
Released on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the track dubbed Moyo Wangu is a tribute to grieving parents whose children have been killed or gone missing, particularly during the Gen Z-led protests.
Juliani used the song to express their pain, frustration, and unanswered cries for justice in a country where many families are still waiting for closure.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Juliani shared the message behind the song on his Instagram page, describing it as a social commentary.
“‘Moyo Wangu’ is a powerful song that serves as a social commentary, shedding light on the painful reality of a wounded heart in search of justice. It expresses the collective cry of parents who have tragically lost their children to police brutality and extrajudicial killings,” Juliani stated.
Adding
“Despite their immense grief, these parents continue to wait for the justice they deserve, and the song captures their ongoing struggle and demand for accountability. It is a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address these injustices.”
