By Lauryne Akoth
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has threatened to take legal action against two local artists; Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe for inappropriate audio-visual content.
In a press release dated 28th February 2024, KFCB expressed concern with the influx of unrated and inappropriate content circulating social media platforms particularly when students are on their mid-term break. KFCB flagged down two controversial songs: Niko Uchi by Chris Embarambamba and Yesu Ninyandue by William Getumbe.
” 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,” said KFCB
The two songs have caused an outcry among the public with ‘yesu Ninyandue’ cited as blasphemous and ‘Niko Uchi’ termed as a ridicule of the Christian religion. Furthermore, both songs are not fit for public consumption as they contain nudity and vulgarity. The dancing styles of both artists have also been called into question as they are violent and potentially dangerous when mimicked by children.
The KFCB noted that both songs are contrary to the Films and Stage Plays Act cap 22 of the laws of Kenya and issued a notice to both artists to pull down the aforementioned content.
“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” the board further added, ” Letters have been issued to relevant platforms to pull down the inappropriate content by Chris Embarambamba and William Getumbe”
The board also isolated a video of alleged religious acts by one Bishop Johanna and criticized it for misleading the public via indecent exposure performances with sexual innuendos. The board cautioned that despite the freedom of creativity and expression as enshrined in Article 33 of the constitution, the freedom is not absolute.
The board concluded by thanking the members of the public for their support in reporting such content and reaffirmed their commitment to ensure compliance with the set regulations on audio-visual content.
In response to KFCB’s measures, the chair of the Music Copyright Society Of Kenya Dr Ezekiel Mutua pledged to take action against the two artists.
“Finally, KFCB strikes! Embarambamba and Getumbe’s obnoxious content will be deleted from social media. MCSK has also initiated the process of deregistering the two from the Society. If the resolution by a recent special AGM is upheld, the two will not be members of MCSK and will not earn any royalties for FIVE years.”
He also noted that a repeat offence would earn the two a life ban.