The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has imposed sanctions on gospel singer William Getumbe for allegedly promoting harmful audio-visual content through his latest song ‘yesu ninyandue’.
The artist had earlier on been ordered by the board to pull down the song from the online platform by 29th February but failed to comply with the directives.
In an interview with the Kenya News Agency, KFCB North Rift Regional Manager, Boniventure Kioko affirmed that the said artist has been criticized for the blasphemous song ‘yesu ninyandue’ circulating on social media and other media platforms eliciting sharp reactions and outcry from the public as well as contravening the laws that govern the film industry.
The board has reviewed a song, ‘Niko Uchi’, which contravenes Kenyan Laws by containing nudity, vulgarity, and ridicule of the Christian religion. It also noted violent dancing styles and imitable behavior.
“We gave him a demand letter on 29th of February to comply within 7 days, he did not show any remorse to comply, and that is when we decided to take responsibility to bring him to book,” he noted.
“Eldoret regional office arrested William Getumbe for uploading morally erosive and blasphemous audio-visual content. He is being processed at Kapsoya police station for arraignment tomorrow,” added Kioko.
He alluded that the board in the exercise of its regulatory mandate shall continue to monitor and flag inappropriate and disturbing audio-visual content and report the same to relevant government agencies and platform operators for appropriate action.
“The board thanks members of the public for their continued support in monitoring and reporting any such cases. The board encourages all complaints to be forwarded to info@kfcb.go.ke,” said the KFCB regional manager.
On his part, Getumbe claimed the arrest was unfair as he had already filed a petition in court through his lawyer Mark Chirchir in response to the demand order by the board. He claims the arrest would not have been done until the case is heard and determined by the court.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Angela Silayo
