The CEO and Commission Secretary of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Daniel Mutegi Giti, has issued a call to Kenyan citizens about the importance of their role in the fight against hate speech in the country.

Speaking in a local interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Mutegi’s clarion call is that the preserve of preserving national harmony is not just the preserve of institutions and leadership but of all Kenyans.

“The highest office in any land is not that of the president or that of the CEO; the highest office is that of the citizen. So, the Kenyan citizens are the ones that we (NCIC) are banking on to ensure that if any politician is spreading hate speech, they have the power to shut them down, shut them up, or walk away from their meetings,” Mutegi said.

NCIC warns of ethnic tensions

The CEO has argued that a cultural transformation is needed, one in which Kenyans stand up to inflammatory speech and ethnic tensions. Be it by challenging narratives, abstaining from involvement with leaders who incite ethnic division, or even turning their backs on gatherings where such rhetoric is being spread, Kenyans can make a difference.

Mutegi’s comments also point to another important point about democracy: power flows from the bottom up. Popular support is the basis of leadership, and by refusing to support those who sow hate, people limit its impact, which he terms ‘pivotal’ ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This method puts a lot of confidence in the public, but it also requires a degree of vigilance, courage, and peace. It’s not always easy to reject the influence of powerful people, particularly in a politically charged environment. However, as Mutegi points out, complacency can breed hate.

The NCIC has emphasised the need for vigilance, particularly during times when tensions might increase. The commission is encouraging citizens to take action in building a shield against divisive forces.

The NCIC’s message is a challenge and call to action: Kenya’s unity is not solely in the hands of legislative bodies or commissions but in the hands of individuals.