High Court Lifts Ban Imposed on Kenyan Lesbian Film 'Rafiki', Giving it Chance for Oscar Nomination

High Court Lifts Ban Imposed on Kenyan Lesbian Film 'Rafiki', Giving it Chance for Oscar Nomination

The High Court in Nairobi has lifted for seven days the ban imposed on Kenyan lesbian-themed film Rafiki by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB).

In her ruling on Friday, Justice Wilfrida Okwany noted that she is unconvinced that Kenya is a weak society whose morals can be influenced by watching the movie.

She further directed the film be opened for viewing by adults only noting that she cannot dictate the choice of an adult on whether to watch it or not.

The ruling comes after the film's director, Wanuri Kahiu, sued the Kenya government after KFCB proscribed Rafiki on grounds that it promotes lesbianism contrary to the law.

The lifting means Wanuri will be able to submit the film for Academy Awards, popularly referred to as Oscars. For Rafiki to be eligible for nomination in the best foreign-language film category, it must be screened in Kenya before September 30th.

“The Board has restricted a local film titled ‘Rafiki’ produced by Awali Entertainment Ltd. Its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya is contrary to the law,” KFCB said.

Wanuri could not hide her excitement after the court made the ruling on Friday.

She tweeted: “I am crying. In a French airport. In such Joy! Our constitution is strong! Give thanks to freedom of expression!!!! WE did it! We will be posting about Nairobi screening soon.”

 

Comments

Mugikuyu (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 12:14pm

The Moral police guy responsible of banning this film in the first place should go home to practice his morality with his wife and children and not Kenyans. What is sometimes shown on the screens in Kenya especially some very provocative sexual dances at 8am when kids are drinking porriage makes me wonder whether he is still asleep at that time to see how inappropriate TV's have become. Is he jealous of this film? That could be another reason. Either way he is incompetent and should go home.

Guest1 (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 01:18pm

In reply to by Mugikuyu (not verified)

I am one of the Moral Police and my Guess is you're a SHOGA (origin of HIV) or SHOGA sympathizer. So REPENT or Perish! Meanwhile if you don't Repent FYI: Peleka Hiyo USHOGA na Mkundu wako huko Sodom and Gomorrah. And while there: May the Firery BRIMSTONES from the Heavens of God RAIN on you and the so-called High Court (like it did on the Bible days Sodom and Gomorrah). And also note very WELL: If it wasn't for a MAN and WOMAN (your Father and Mother) getting together, you wouldnt be here Talking and Supporting Homosexuality.

Mugikuyu (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 03:54pm

In reply to by Guest1 (not verified)

@Guest1, Hahaha just quit your rambling and hatred and please please calm down. Homosexuality has been in existence since way back when a few gathered or conspired to write the bible to control the masses. You are one of those and your hatred( though the Bible is against it) stinks to high heavens. Lol I still await your partner in crime of hatred @MkenyaHalisi to respond with guns blazing! And if you want Mkundu to celebrate the TGIF, ask your friend Gilbert.

Victoria (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 03:58pm

In reply to by Guest1 (not verified)

Kenyan politics has the most gay behaviors in Kenya. Wako na ushogaa sana wanasiasa wa Kenya.

They want ' Complete loyalty', admiration and sycophancy from their other men.

These men have wives, some even have multiple wives but they still want other men to admire and commit to them like they are married.

Kenyan politics is full of gayism.

So go tell the politicians to stop acting like gay men.

maxiley (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 06:26pm

In reply to by Guest1 (not verified)

@ Guest 1 Open your mind. There are something you just have to accept exist,and nothing you can do about it.I hope you believe in SCIENCE. When studies are done scientifically, they give us vital information,and make us understand some of life's puzzles.It may not give all the answers,but certainly,its the best tool we have. Its better that praying. If you have a headache, chances are very high that scientific medicine( ibuprofen) will do better than praying.Or if you break your leg,no amount of prayers will heal it.Even though Jesus healed a cripple-allegedly, I have jet to see these so called men of God heal one.With this back drop, you should know that science says that our sexuality is on a continuum. In other words, on both extreme ends,you have very heterosexual beings one one end,and very homosexual on the other,and in between,we have all ranges.Scientific studies have also said that in every society know to man, there has always existed 10 % of homosexuals.I believe that it is not a choice. Why would one chose to be homosexual seeing the way they are treated?
As despicable as homosexual may be to you,do you realize that it is the least of our problems? We have a governor who had an affair wiith his sister inlaw,and now embroiled in a murder involving his paramour.We have the menace of alshabab, we have prostitution, we have unemployment"crisis".Marriages are in crisis, children are not listening to their parents, crime is high-people being robbed in the day light. Students cheating in exams, Uhuru having hard time containing corruption on and on...
Now tell me how homosexuality adds to any of the afformentioned problems.Come on its only sex.Why are you hang up on sex? You starving? So long as they do it in their privacy why should you be concerned? If anything, heterosexuals"have failed society".I could also argue that apart from procreation,heterosexuality is mired in myriad of problems.
And no Iam not a homosexual. Very Heterosexual.I just being objective;Just like white men fought with black in civil rights. What do you say guest 1?If you want to insult me fine, this wont be the first time,but do it in a scholary manner.Your God would not want you to insult me would he/she?

Nani? (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 10:43pm

In reply to by maxiley (not verified)

Maxiley, I agree with you 100%, verbatim. I don't see why it's my business to tell two consenting adults how they should love each. It doesn't affect my family in any way, period. However, corruption, crime, pollution, traffic jams etc reduce the quality of my life and that is why I pay taxes to have those things sorted out in the public space.
I don't understand same sex attraction, then again, I don't see the appeal of Akothe either. However, kila nyani na starehe zake. They are CONSENTING adults.

Anos-in-transi… (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 02:05pm

Our moral police seem to think that gay-ism, even when mildly expressed, is the most obscene type of immorality. You would think the semi-nude videos and obscene songs in our matatus, condom and sexual libido enhancement adverts on TV are better morally. And you hear nothing about them from Mr Mutua! And who said we adults cannot make moral decisions for ourselves? If I want to watch or read banned material I can find it anyway, so this banning exercise is futile and is like trying to herd cats.

Guest1 (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 03:51pm

In reply to by Anos-in-transi… (not verified)

To use the term Gay-ism is to Sugarcoat Homosexuality. So FYI: Homosexuality is OBSENE to the Sane; but SANE to the Insane (with Mental damage). Anyway: What kind of a Normal woman would want to have a Sexual relationship with same kind (another Woman)? An abnormal Woman!!!! And what kind of a Nan would want to have a Sexual relationship with Same kind (another Man)? An abnormal Man!!! And there you have HIV-AIDS blamed on HeteroSexuals for no Original or Genuine reason.

Ombaki (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 10:15pm

In reply to by Guest1 (not verified)

Guest1, triggers much ain’t ya? crawl back to your crevice with your holier than thou nonsense.keyboard warriors like you hollering the loudest, are probably as gay as they come. Some priests ‘condemn many sinners’ while they’re sodomizing kids, politicians calling others thieves while theyre looting on a major scale blaah blaah blaah.
You have a choice not to watch the movie but zero right to dictate an adults’ choice. Your insecurities shines bright.So ya fake moral anger ain’t foolin no one. Ask Gen Flynn where leading ‘the lock em up’chant landed him. Find a safe place and practice some deep breaths

Victoria (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 03:53pm

In reply to by Anos-in-transi… (not verified)

Gayism is full in Kenya politics...These leaders demand 'Full Loyalty' from other men.

Kama hiyo sio ushoga sijui ni nini.

A man should be loyal to his conscience not to another man.

they even blackmail them, if they are not 'Loyal' and the don't show 'Unconditional' support and psychopathy they wont get 'funds' for their constituency.

These politicians have wives but they still want to treat other men like their second wives.

Victoria (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 03:50pm

A lot of Kenyan leaders/Politicians have gay tendencies.They want complete loyalty and submission from other men.

They want other men to beg them for development funds among other things.

They want other men like Governors and mp's to tow the line and be at their beck and call like a wife.

So KFBC should start with Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, raila Odinga and all leaders that demand loyalty from other men , those are gay behaviors.

Kenya has very many gays men.

Nani? (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 06:56pm

The late Bishop Eddie Long and Pastor Ted Haggard were the loudest critics of homosexuality until they were discovered to be in the very life they despised. I get very suspicious of moral crusaders who insist on imposing their values on CONSENTING ADULTS....just saying.

Anos-in-transition (not verified)     Sat, 09/22/2018 @ 02:12am

In reply to by formerlyguest2 (not verified)

I know you can be reasonable. I hope you are not condemning those who protect the people who would be hang on the stake because they belong to the 10% Or so who through no fault of their own find themselves in this dilemma. Remember in Tanzania, albinos have no rights. And that is God’s plan...

formerlyguest2 (not verified)     Sat, 09/22/2018 @ 09:12pm

In reply to by Anos-in-transition (not verified)

Yes I'm reasonable hence there +-, there is yes/no, in short there is also the other side of the coin as in some people defend others not because of what you mentioned as goodwill but vehemently defend out of empathy aka does same things in the dark. I'm just trying to debate :-)

Nani? (not verified)     Sun, 09/23/2018 @ 07:19am

In reply to by formerlyguest2 (not verified)

FG2..There lies the difference with the likes of Mutua. I am not afraid of neither do I raise hell for being accused. I am of the view that what consenting adults do, is none of my business as long as they don't ask me, force a minor or an adult incapable of making that decision to join in their activities.

Mkenya halisi (not verified)     Fri, 09/21/2018 @ 11:20pm

Wapeleke hii ushoga ushetani huko America where it’s praised n worshipped by many whoo always yapsss it’s my right it’s their right until their kids start to practice it then they start bothering pastors n bishops to fast n pray for their families??Kenyans in the west especially in USA uk australia France Europe be ready for yr kids incase they come telling u wao ni mashogas.

formerlyguest2 (not verified)     Sat, 09/22/2018 @ 12:10am

I always say, whoever OR rwhatever you are doing , keep it to yourself and don't shove it on my face, I have no qualm with that. I have worked with homosexuals prolly my first time in career world in certain corridors of DC but they were decent human who never had " oh look at me I'm so different and I need your approval". They were professionals ,mentioned about their partners w/o emphasizing about the gender , so in many years I had no clue partner meant different from.... so for me in 2018 when you come out and start acting weird and forcing shit on my throat just because you f $$### something different from what I f#$$$$ , then I have issues, major issues and that is why gayism, lesbianism , any other "ism" is having negative opposition because of forcing acceptance. I do not like certain people , and I try to stay away but if they constantly shove their presence in my personal space , then I have issues . It seems if you make a film about this subject matter, create an NGO about the same , you score extra points and more opportunities and some limelight. Gaysim /lesbianism , whatever ism has been around for centuries , suddenly it is the cool think to advocate for ugh! Yeah I'm not a fan!

Nani? (not verified)     Sun, 09/23/2018 @ 07:32am

In reply to by formerlyguest2 (not verified)

I have heard this tired argument of homosexuals "parading their lifestyles" in our faces. When you declare that I am married, I am dating, my children, my nieces, my engagement etc You are screaming out loud that I am straight. While growing up in the 80s in Kabete, there was a certain shop keeper advanced in age but had no family of his own. A woman was sent to him with an intention of enticing him to bed... He was not interested. The next day a crowd of idlers heard about it went to his shop, forced him out and demanded to know why he's "different". They forced him to strip for proof that he's circumcized....this is how much we are programmed to be in others'business.

Mkenya halisi (not verified)     Sat, 09/22/2018 @ 05:05am

So @ formelyguest2 r u ready to hear from yr daughters that’s they r mashogas or from yr sons wao pia nimashogas incase they come to u one day?Am hoping if they do u will tell yr God thank you n u won’t curse them or the devo???What am saying is this shit stinking shit immoral behaviours ushetani ushoga is nonsense as Africans but tumekaa kwa Wazungu natumekuwa naunjinga mwingi kama wao?ushoga ushetani is worse than corruption!

Mumbi (not verified)     Sat, 09/22/2018 @ 10:09am

Sexual orientation should not make it into the top 10000 of Kenya's problems. We have serious issues to contend with like maternal health, emergency preparedness, water safety, rampant unemployment, corruption and dumping of contraband goods. Our national debt is unsustainable while high taxes are choking Kenyans. We cannot afford the luxury of spending time any energy attacking gays while our country is headed to he'll in a hand-basket.

Mkenya halisi (not verified)     Sat, 09/22/2018 @ 10:19pm

Ushoga mashetani stinking ass behaviours nonsense belongs to the evil spirits n devos himself.This is western world behaviours n it need to stay there.In Africa yr burn alive ukipatikana practising this stinking behaviours n u cannot blame the majority pple for doing so juu they don’t want to hear it while in mzungu country it’s grolified praised worship it’s my F right n what not so western Kenyans prepare for one day yr kids to behave like the same wazungus n ur the once to blame sio God.Ots that simple.Kama kitu ni mbaya ni mbaya.

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