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Octopizzo outlines priorities for Kenyans as he rallies the youth to reject handouts
02nd February, 2026 08:49 PM
Kenyan rapper and youth advocate Henry Ohanga, popularly known as Octopizzo has outlined the priorities that Kenya’s leadership should focus on, while also cautioning the country’s youth against the culture of handouts that has taken root.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, February 2, 2026, the rapper asserted that the youth deserve more than temporary relief offered by politicians eyeing elective seats, lamenting that handouts have become a powerful tool with devastating consequences.
“Handouts have unfortunately become a powerful political tool, especially among young people who deserve far more than temporary relief. When short-term cash is normalised, it creates dependency instead of dignity. The real turning point will come when our youth collectively say: we do not want handouts, we want structural change,” Octopizzo stated.
He urged Kenyans to outrightly reject handouts and pursue structural change that will have a meaningful impact on their lives.
Octopizzo lists what should be addressed
The rapper outlined areas that should be the focus, listing quality education, employment opportunities and investment in talent development among what Kenya needs.
“We want job security reforms that protect workers. We want quality education that prepares us for the future. We want meaningful employment opportunities. We want investment in arts, innovation, and talent development so creativity becomes an industry, not a hobby,” he added.
The artiste, who has consistently used his platform to advocate for social justice and the rights of vulnerable communities, has been shaping political discourse in his community and beyond, speaking at political events in Kibera.
He graced a rally addressed by Winnie Odinga and her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, and weighed in on the water situation in the area, calling out politicians whom he faulted for the challenge.
“When a community survives three weeks without water in a city crisscrossed by pipelines, it is not nature that has failed; it is leadership and coordination,” he concluded.
Activims & initiatives in Kibera
Through the intervention of Raila Junior, the issue was sorted, but the singer made it clear that Kibra cannot live on interventions and goodwill.
Born and raised in Kibera, Octopizzo defied the odds to become an award-winning singer and philanthropist.
Beyond his fame, he has remained alive to the daily struggles that the community faces and has emerged as a fierce advocate, using his platforms to amplify their concerns.
He runs the Octopizzo foundation, which is behind several livelihoods and economic empowerment initiatives in the area.
