The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) is considering legal action against local artists Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe for the dissemination of inappropriate content on various media platforms.
The regulatory body has banned their latest releases, citing concerns about their unsuitability for public consumption, especially for children.
Chris Embarambamba’s song titled “Niko Uchi” has triggered controversy due to its purported gospel theme, which the KFCB argues mocks the Christian religion.
Additionally, the song allegedly features nudity, vulgarity, and promotes violent and imitable behaviors, raising concerns about its potential impact on impressionable audiences, particularly minors.
Similarly, William Getumbe’s track “Yesu Ninyandue” has faced criticism for its blasphemous nature and potential to offend religious sensitivities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KFCB Acting CEO Nelly Muluka identified Embarambamba and Getumbe’s works as violating the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya, which mandates the examination and approval of all content before public distribution or exhibition.
“The song titled: ‘Niko Uchi,’ which is purportedly gospel, invites ridicule to the Christian religion, also contains nudity, vulgarity. It has further been noted that some of the artist’s dancing styles are violent and others present imitable behavior, which if copied by children/minors, can be dangerous and disastrous,” said KFCB Acting CEO Nelly Muluka.
In response to these concerns, the KFCB has issued demand letters to Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe, instructing them to remove any inappropriate content from their respective platforms. Failure to comply with these directives could lead to legal repercussions, as outlined by the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222.
Furthermore, the KFCB has reached out to relevant media platforms, urging them to take down the contentious material by the mentioned artists.
“A demand letter has been issued to (Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe) to pull down any inappropriate content from their various platforms, failure to which, they will face the law in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya,” said KFCB, further adding, “Letters have been issued to relevant platforms to pull down the inappropriate content by Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe.”
The board has also singled out a Bishop named ‘Johanna,’ accusing him of using religious influence to “mislead the public through indecent exposure performances with sexual innuendos.”
The KFCB aims to address acts that may contribute to the spread of inappropriate content within the religious sphere.
