Bien has declared he is not afraid of abductions or of speaking the truth, even as Kenya faces increasing political tension and crackdowns on free expression.
This is in light of his recent remarks on The Breakfast Club radio show in New York where he appeared carrying a jogoo to represent his Luhya roots.
In the now-viral interview, Bien appeared on The Breakfast Club, a well-known U.S. radio show hosted by Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy.
In the interview, Bien spoke about Kenya’s economic struggles, poor governance, high youth unemployment, and the growing lack of freedom of speech.
“We are not going through an easy time,” he said.
“Our government has no opposition. The opposition is the youth. For the last year or so, there have been so many abductions. There’s freedom of expression, but no freedom after expression.”
His remarks came amid police brutality, with numerous reports of activists being abducted or silenced such as in the case of Albert Ojwang.
Is Bien Apologetic over Strong Political Stance?
The comments stirred strong reactions back home, but Bien is unmoved.
And he will not be intimidated.
“I am not afraid of abductions. I am too big to fit in the boot of a Subaru,” he joked in a later interview with Miss Kithinji.
“Itabidi mnikujie na Mariamu [police lorry]. You can not pickpocket a naked man.”
And what does Bien have to say to critics who feel he should have toned down his remarks?
“I did not go there to speak for myself. I spoke for Kenyans who do not have that kind of platform. Whoever did not like it, angojee siku yake afike The Breakfast Club aongee vile anataka.”
Kenya’s Attempt to Host the Grammy Awards
In the same Breakfast Club appearance, Bien also blasted government spending amid hardship, particularly the controversial Ksh491 million proposed for Kenya to host the Africa Grammy Awards.
“It felt like an impulse spend to smack your face,” he said.
“The news came out at a very bad time. We are not doing well as a country.”
Still, he expressed hope in the nation’s youth, saying they are the ones who will lead change.
“I have more faith in the children who are coming than their leadership. I think the kids are going to save us.”
Bien’s art, he explained, is shaped by these realities.
His mission is to tell the stories of everyday Kenyans, to capture their pain, their hope, and their struggle through music. And for that, he is ready to take any risk.
By Vivian K.