Kenyan musician Bien-Aimé Baraza has captured national attention with a bold and heartfelt tribute to victims of the recent Saba Saba protests. While performing on the streets of London, Bien used his platform to address the unrest back home, drawing admiration from fans both on the ground and online.
Currently on a global tour, Bien made his statement during a street performance at Kings Cross, shortly after arriving from a sold-out show in Paris. Known for his socially conscious music and activism, the former Sauti Sol member did not hesitate to speak out about the violent protests in Kenya, which left several people dead and many others injured.
Dressed in a stylish designer outfit and his now-familiar cowboy hat, Bien was also accompanied by a live chicken—a quirky and now-signature stage companion that sparked amused reactions from fans. His wife and manager, Chiki Kuruka, stood nearby as he performed a mix of his solo hits, including Ma Cherie and Extra Pressure, in front of a large, multicultural crowd.
What moved many the most was Bien’s emotional tribute to the victims of the Saba Saba protests, which were held across 17 counties in Kenya. Just before leading the crowd in anti-government chants, he paused to acknowledge the lives lost.
“Kenya is in the building. We have lost lives in the protests today (Saba Saba), but we will overcome,” he said, prompting an emotional response from the audience. Fans could be seen waving Kenyan flags as chants filled the London air. Videos of the performance quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion online.
Kenyans flooded social media with praise, calling Bien a national treasure and applauding his courage to use an international platform to spotlight injustices back home. Many admired his boldness during a time of heightened political tension. Some warned him to be cautious, noting the risks of speaking out against powerful forces, while others couldn’t help but joke about the chicken, questioning its significance and how it became part of his act.
This wasn’t the first time Bien had made waves with his outspoken views. Upon his return to Kenya from a U.S. tour, he previously addressed fears of government intimidation, saying he would not be silenced. He emphasized that as an artiste, his duty is to speak on behalf of the people and shine a light on societal issues.
His performance comes as images and footage from Kenya continue to show scenes of police brutality, arrests, and destruction during the protests. Businesses have been vandalized, and a tense atmosphere continues to loom over many towns.
For many, Bien’s act was more than music—it was a moment of unity, defiance, and national pride. His willingness to stand with ordinary Kenyans during such a turbulent time has only strengthened his connection with fans, both at home and abroad.
