Kakamega-born gospel artiste Daddy Owen has called upon Gen Zs to confront and address longstanding injustices surrounding the visa application process.
Owen has urged them not to inherit a system that quietly normalises mistreatment and financial exploitation.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the singer expressed deep disappointment over the way applicants are often handled, particularly when their requests are rejected without accountability or recourse.
He stressed that those who apply for international travel documents deserve to be treated with utmost respect and fairness, noting that when their applications are denied, they should at the very least be compensated financially.
“One thing this generation must change is how Western embassies in Kenya treat us, especially the US and UK embassies. They must show us the highest respect and dignity — and if they deny us visas, they should refund our money,” Owen wrote.
Daddy Owen further lamented that these practices have gone unchecked for far too long, cautioning that unless the youth step up to question and reshape such systemic imbalances, the same cycles will be passed down to generations that follow.
“This injustice must not be passed on to the next generation,” he stated, urging young people to take the lead in rewriting the script.
Kenyans’ reaction
Daddy Owen’s remarks appeared to have touched a raw nerve as Kenyans exploded with a wave of mixed reactions on the subject.
Several recounted their own painful ordeals and frustrations while attempting to secure travel documents to foreign nations, highlighting the emotional and financial toll the process often demands.
Others argued that the government ought to strengthen and streamline systems within the country to such a level that citizens would no longer feel desperate to chase greener pastures abroad.
A section of others went further, boldly suggesting that it was time to directly confront the institutions involved and demand accountability face-to-face for the longstanding injustices.
Here are some of those comments:
@tha_ebony said, “We must also change the need to go to the West for what we can have here. E.g., healthcare or education, or even good jobs. Why, 60 years after independence, do we have to send people to India or South Africa for cancer treatment? Or unaacha kazi hapa ukafanye kazi US or UK.”
@daddyowenmusic said, “Good question.”
@Seb Sebah said, “Yafaa tuwasalimie.”
@maina_vocal said, “Imagine saving for months just to be rejected in five seconds. That pain is real.”
Daddy Owen reprimands church
This is not the first time Daddy Owen has spoken out on matters affecting the country.
In July 2024, during a period marked by extrajudicial killings and anti-government protests, the ‘Vanity’ hitmaker criticised the church for remaining silent on the killings and abductions happening in the country.
Using his platform, he called on religious leaders to address the nation’s challenges head-on, particularly corruption and poor governance.
In his post on July 19, 2024, Daddy Owen urged the church to be a voice of reason and to condemn the killings of young people.
“To the church in Kenya, I humbly urge you: it’s time to speak out! Be a voice of reason, condemn the killings of young people, and speak up against corruption and bad governance,” Daddy Owen wrote.
The musician and activist emphasised that the church should take the lead in holding Kenyan leaders accountable.
Daddy Owen noted that the church only tends to unite its voice when faced with challenges like taxes and licensing matters.
He emphasised that staying quiet about the wrongs happening in the country is equivalent to choosing a side.
“The church should lead in holding the responsible accountable. The church only speaks with unity when it faces the prospect of taxes and licensing of churches. Let’s not remain silent; silence is a form of taking sides,” the musician said.
