By Lauryne Akoth
Controversial gospel singer William Getumbe was arrested over indecent content. The singer and Chris Embarambamba had been served with demand letters to pull down inappropriate content from their platforms, failure to which they would face the law.
While Christopher Musioma alias Embarambamba reached out to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on 4th March over the same, Getumbe took no action concerning the seven-day demand notice issued to him.
According to KFCB, Embarambamba found himself in a challenging position as he had to explain for openly violating Sections 4 (Part II) and 12 of Cap 222, which regulate the production, broadcasting, possession, distribution, and presentation of audio-visual content in Kenya.
Additionally, the artist faced scrutiny for incorporating elements of vulgarity, nudity, indecency, and aggressive dance styles in his content, notably in the ‘Niko Uchi’ song and other works.
Following the meeting, the Board directed Embarambamba to promptly remove any offensive or indecent content, specifically music videos, from his YouTube channel and other social media platforms within two days. Non-compliance on his part would lead to legal action per Cap 222.
Additionally, he was required to submit all his content, particularly music videos, to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for assessment and classification based on age appropriateness.
Lastly, KFCB directed Embarambamba to obtain a filming license from KFCB and ensure that the content is classified for age appropriateness, before public exhibition. This would be before undertaking any new productions, directives to which he agreed.
After the expiration of the seven-day demand notice given to Getumbe, during which no actions were taken on his part, KFCB, in collaboration with the Police from Kapsoya Police Station and its North Rift Regional Office in Eldoret, apprehended and detained Getumbe.
This action was taken due to failure to comply with the Films and Stage Play Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya, specifically the creation, distribution, and exhibition of his blasphemous ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ music video, among others.
He will be arraigned in court on Wednesday 13th March 2024, to face three charges:
a) Filming without a license which contravenes Part II, Section 4 of Cap 222.
b) Distribution and exhibition of unclassified audio-visual content in breach of Part III, Section 12 of the Cap 222.
c) 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.
In the press release dated 12th March 2024, KFCB urged all content creators to create content that promotes Kenya’s culture, moral values, and National aspirations, while ensuring that children are not exposed to inappropriate content.
Furthermore, KFCB declared that in line with this objective, they are working in cooperation with relevant platform owners to remove the specified content.