The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has ordered the pulling down of unrated and inappropriate content circulating on diverse media platforms.
In a statement, KFCB said that artistes Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe's latest songs have violated the Films and Stage Plays Act.
“The song titled ‘Niko Uchi’, which is purported gospel, invites ridicule to the Christian religion, also contains nudity (and) vulgarity. It has further been noted that some of the artiste’s dancing styles are violent and others present imitable behaviour, which if copied by children/minors, can be dangerous and disastrous,” KFCB acting chief executive Nelly Muluka said.
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Muluka says KFCB, through its Media Monitoring Department, has received a myriad of complaints and public outcry on inappropriate audio-visual content by the artistes.
"Some of the content is being propagated as art and freedom of expression and disguised as religious songs, contravening the law, in utter disregard for the interests and safety of children and the public at large," Muluka stated.
"The unpalatable songs, which also contravene Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya are circulating on social media and other media platforms, eliciting sharp reactions and outcry from the public. The song titled 'Niko Uchi' which is purported gospel invites ridicule to the Christian religion, also contains nudity, vulgarity. It has further been noted that some of the artist's dancing styles arc violent and others present imitable behaviour, which if copied by children/minors, can be dangerous and disastrous."
KFCB on Bishop Jihanna
KFCB says other depictions of inappropriate content doing rounds include recorded religious acts by a Bishop going by the name 'Johanna'.
According to KFCB, Johanna is among the religious leaders using their religious influence to mislead the public through indecent exposure performances with sexual innuendos in a religious institution where minors are likely exposed.
"It is more appalling that adults who should be gatekeepers in protecting children to exposure of harmful content are taking lead in circulating these inappropriate videos," Muluka added.
Henceforth, KFCB has directed that no film or class of film should be distributed, exhibited or broadcast, either publicly or privately, unless the board has examined it and issued a certificate of approval.
"The Board does not wish to curtail creativity and of freedom of expression. However. freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 33 of our Constitution is not absolute. It has certain limitations and must be interpreted within the broader context of other provisions of the Constitution, including Article 11 on culture and Article 24 on the limitation of rights and fundamental freedoms," Muluka added.
KFCB has also appealed to parents, caregivers and guardians to pay attention and to keenly monitor the content children under their care access on social media networks, broadcast channels and other platforms, and be more vigilant as their children stay home during the mid-term break.
"In cases where children have access to the internet and smart devices, parents/guardians must exercise responsibility to ensure that minors do not access inappropriate content," she added.
