The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has confirmed the arrest of gospel artiste William Getumbe over non-compliance with the Films and Stage Play Act.
In a press release dated Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the regulator noted that Getumbe popularly known for the song 'Yesu Ninyandue' was arrested on Tuesday and is currently being detained in Eldoret.
"The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) through its North Rift Regional Office, Eldoret and with the support of Police from Kapsoya Police Station have arrested and detained Gospel artiste William Getumbe over non-compliance with the Films and Stages Play Act, Cap 222 of the laws of Kenya," KFCB stated.
KFCB also stated that the musician's arrest follows the lapse of a seven-day demand notice issued to him for violating the Films and Stage Play Act.
Getumbe is set to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, to face charges including filming without a license which contravenes Part II, Section 4 of Cap 222, and distribution and exhibition of unclassified audio-visual content in breach of Part III, Section 12 of the Cap 22.
The artiste will also be charged with distribution, public exhibition, and possession of 'obscene' cinematograph films and public exhibition of indecent shows/performances tending to corrupt morals contrary to Section 181 (1)(a) and (e) of the penal code.
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Following the latest development, the board encouraged members of the public to report any instance of 'indecent' content distributed or exhibited via social media platforms and other broadcast channels for appropriate action to be taken.
The board also asked citizens to refrain from circulating such flagged content warning that legal action will be taken.
"The board urges all content creators to create content that promotes the country's culture, moral values and national aspirations while ensuring that children are not exposed to inappropriate content. To this effect, the board is collaborating with relevant platform owners to pull down the targeted content," the board added.
KFCB recently asked Getumbe to pull down the song from his platforms emphasising that it was a threat to the safety of children and members of the public.
Getumbe's song was flagged alongside Embrambamba's 'Niko Uchi' song which was termed dangerous and disastrous to minors.
