The Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua came under fire by Kenyans ranging from creatives to consumers, after the dramatic arrest of comedian-turned-reality show star Eric Omondi.
The arrest triggered banter and concerns over the mandate of the KFCB which involved police officers attached to the Kenya Police.
In response to the concerns Dr. Ezekiel Mutua clarified that the move was meant to protect consumers of films, and not in anyway target individual artists for malice.
“The war is not against artistes or the youth. It’s against dirty content. The intention is not to harass artistes or stifle creativity. The idea is to promote clean content and protect children against exposure to adult content!” Mutua tweeted.
Citing the Kiambu killings where the culprit confessed to have been inspired by a TV show, Killing Eve, Dr. Mutua reminded the media practitioners of their indirect role in moral degradation.
“No country can develop without a moral foundation. Allowing production of pornography, unlicensed and unrated content is against the law. What happened in Kiambu where a young man wiped out his family should bring us back to our senses.”
The arrest comes shortly after the launch of Wife Material 2, which features star studded cast from socialites to East African female artists.
The comedian was arrested for failing to submit the film process to the KFCB contrary to the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.
“No film or class of film shall be distributed, exhibited, or broadcast, either publicly or privately, unless the Board has examined it and issued a certificate of approval in respect thereof. The Board will take all possible legal means to curb production and exhibition of unauthorised films on any platform meant for public exhibition.”
