'Bado Hatupangwingwi,' says rapper Exray after viral catchphrase is declared hate speech by NCIC

This is after NCIC on Friday, released a list of phrases that could attract legal action for using them saying that they can be used to propagate hate.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, the Sipangwingwi hitmaker claimed that he does not understand the reason for listing of some of the terms that have been blacklisted by NCIC chair Samuel Kobia.

Other phrases that have been declared blacklisted together with Hatupangwingi, include; Madoa doa, Chunga kura, Kama noma noma, Kama mbaya mbaya, among others.

The artist further added that the term is not meant to incite hate, noting that the hit song was not even intended to be political in the first place.

“Bado hatupangwingwi na hiyo ni lugha yetu ya mtaa. Inamaanisha ‘I cannot be finessed’. Hii mambo ingine ni politics tu, hata me nashangaa na sielewi. The song is even used in campaigns by politicians from both sides. The song was not meant to be political at first, it is just about good vibes and feelings,” said Exray.

Having gone viral since the song’s release in 2021, making the phrase a trending Kenyan slogan.

Hours after NCIC released their list, Deputy President Ruto released a remix with Exray which was seen as a defiance stance against the Commission.

Exray says that the production of the song and video was funded by the Deputy President who also suggested the making of the new project.

“DP Ruto came up with the idea and paid for the song in a studio of my choice. He wanted a song that he will be using in his campaigns,” he said.

Upon asking if he is part of the United Democratic Alliance, he quickly responded by saying he is not involved in DP Ruto’s political affairs.

“I am not a member of UDA, I am generally not about politics. I only recorded a version for the Deputy President to use in place of the original one. There are no political attachments,” he said.

The original hit song currently has an impressive 6.5 million views on YouTube with Exray proudly stating that no matter what is done, the term "will remain in people’s minds."