Lilian Ng’ang’a’s choice to leave former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua for rapper Juliani in 2021 stirred widespread debate across the country.

Many questioned how she moved from a life of luxury to being with someone they perceived as a “struggling artist.”

Speculation about her decision persisted for years, with some suggesting she sought attention, while others believed she wanted a child.

Embracing Destiny and Letting Go

In an interview with Dr. Ofweneke, Lilian—whom some netizens believe has since separated from Juliani—shared her perspective on allowing life to unfold naturally.

“I try not to control anything. When I met Juliani, I had never met him before, but clearly, we were meant to cross paths and have a child together. It was destined to happen,” she said.

She also emphasized that she doesn’t hold onto things once their time has passed. “I appreciate what we had—the moments, the memories, the lessons—and then I move forward.”

Juliani’s Public Backlash

After confirming her relationship with Juliani, the rapper faced intense criticism and online attacks. Many Kenyans struggled to accept that Lilian had chosen him over Mutua.

"The backlash Juliani endured was brutal and unfair. It highlights how unwilling people are to broaden their perspectives and accept different realities,” she noted.

A Shift in Her Relationship with Mutua

Lilian explained that her relationship with Mutua began changing when she turned 30. As she sought deeper meaning and independence, tensions arose.

“When I turned 30, I felt there was more to life. I wanted to grow—not necessarily leave the relationship, but to establish my own identity. That’s when conflicts began. He would say, ‘No, you can’t. We are together.’ But as a woman, turning 30 often brings a strong desire for personal growth,” she shared.

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Despite having everything she could ask for, she still felt unfulfilled. “I remember confiding in an older friend, telling him I felt so empty. I had everything, but something was missing.”

What Drew Her to Mutua and Juliani

Lilian acknowledged that both men are vastly different, but intelligence has always been her greatest attraction.

“I am drawn to intelligence, though it doesn’t always work in my favor. I love learning from my partner—it’s not about appearance or profession but what I can gain intellectually,” she admitted.

She met Juliani at a time when she was open to new experiences but does not regret her past with Mutua, recognizing their time together as meaningful.

“I met Juliani at the right moment, just as I met Alfred at the right time. We were meant to spend those 10 years together, build Machakos, and accomplish great things. And we did. Then Juliani came into my life, and now we have a beautiful son. It’s been a fulfilling journey.”

Lilian’s Journey of Self-Discovery

A friend introduced her to philosophy, which profoundly impacted her outlook.

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Through this, she found a sense of purpose and embraced Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes resilience, emotional control, and focusing only on what one can change.

“I am a full Stoic. I do get bothered, but not too much. You learn to let go. Instead of trying to control everything, you ask yourself, ‘How much control do I have over this?’ If the answer is none, you move on,” she explained.

Running also became a major source of solace for her.

“Running frees my soul. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I go for a run—no music, no distractions. It clears my mind completely.”

Personal Growth and Moving Forward

While rumors persist about her relationship with Juliani, Lilian’s conversation with Ofweneke highlights her evolution as an individual. Her willingness to openly express her thoughts on various topics reflects her journey toward self-discovery and personal growth.