KFCB Boss Ezekiel Mutua Bans Kenyan Lesbian Film 'Rafiki'

KFCB Boss Ezekiel Mutua Bans Kenyan Lesbian Film 'Rafiki'

The Kenya film and classification board (KFCB) has banned a Kenyan lesbian movie, Rafiki.

Speaking to the media on Friday, KFCB chief executive Ezekiel Mutua announced the agency had prohibited the distribution, exhibition and broadcast of the film. The self-declared Kenyan 'moral police' said the film's homosexuality nature was against the Kenyan law, culture and values.

“Rafiki has homosexual scenes counter to the law, the culture and the moral values of the Kenyan people. It seeks to legitimize lesbian romance," Mutua stated.

“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.

Reacting to the ban, the movie’s director Wanuri Kahiu, an award winning filmmaker, said: “Kenyans are mature and discerning enough to watch local content but their right has been denied.”

"I'm really disappointed because Kenyans already have access to watch films that have LGBT content, on Netflix, and in international films shown in Kenya and permitted by the classification board itself."

"So to then just ban a Kenyan film because it deals with something already happening in society just seems like a contradiction," she told Reuters.

The film has earned praise from top Hollywood actors including Oscars winner Lupita Nyong’o and Kerry Washington. Rafiki has been nominated for the Cannes Film Festival in France, making it the first feature film to be selected.

Rafiki is a story about two girls, Kena and Ziki, who fall in love in an environment that is hostile toward the subject of homosexuality.

In an interview on CNN last week, President Kenyatta said homosexuality isn't a subject of any importance in Kenya. He said it goes against the believe and culture of majority if Kenyan communities.
 

Comments

formerlyguest2 (not verified)     Fri, 04/27/2018 @ 01:04pm

This LGBQQRSTUVWXYZ - whatever the acronym is, is becoming too loud , whatever you do in your bedroom with whomever or whatever is private and should not be- on your- face , oh see me, accept me blah!This is what causes the resentments. Lead your ABCDE life quietly and do not shove on my throat to accept it.

maxiley (not verified)     Fri, 04/27/2018 @ 03:41pm

In reply to by formerlyguest2 (not verified)

My take on this is that the movie was made to entertain lesbians;and probably gay men.Clearly sending the message that whoever wants to see it,is aware of the contents.Now after watching and they start displaying their affection in public,then iwill have aproblem with that.

formerlyguest2 (not verified)     Fri, 04/27/2018 @ 05:04pm

In reply to by maxiley (not verified)

Maybe I'm just ranting the whole #movement blah................. whoever wants to watch the movie they can watch I don't care, I'm just tired of the whole##### this and that . , whatever in the media every two seconds. Now I hear there is a new gender word sijui pansexual wtf!

maxiley (not verified)     Fri, 04/27/2018 @ 05:56pm

In reply to by formerlyguest2 (not verified)

@Formerly guest2.Pansexuality has me scratching my head.That it includes all sexual categories,bi,transgender and who knows what. Anyway, the so called experts are telling us now that sexual identity and behaviour is on a continuum ,with extremes on both ends and "the rest of us in the middle".
So stay tuned for more ---sexual.Iknow what I am,and I dont feel the need to let others know.So I dont understand why these endless barrage of "sexual expression,and discovery ",by those not in the mainstream.Just be your self dont tell the whole world.We have better things to listen to.

Mugikuyu (not verified)     Fri, 04/27/2018 @ 04:49pm

I am not sure why all this hypocrisy when we had a whole video on deputy govenor going at it with someone else's wife the other day and now instead of him resigning we are talking of someone behind the camera being arrested. I do not know what we are trying to hide or not hide. If we are going to teach our children anything, show them actions have consequences and intimacy without a plan may lead to unwanted "Oops" and this starts with all of us. There is also freedom of speech and expression which is part of democracy, don't try to suppress it just because you probably got an erection Mutua. Take the remote and press the power button. I don't care to understand your moral compass or the churchy stuff you learn from your pastor who perhaps is running after any and every skirt he can lay his hands on. I do not care. With all the content available to everyone via tech device one wonders who is fooling who!these kids and everyone else is exposed to all of it. Change the freaking channel if you feel offended don't impose your views on others cos nobody cares period.

Mkenya halisi (not verified)     Sat, 04/28/2018 @ 08:48am

@guest1 bravo bravo today I agree with you.Kama ungekuwa hapa Tigoni ningekutengenezea maziwa lala.I have always said pple with such stinking devolish behaviours wapewe mavisa wahamie united state of Sidon n gormolla where their rights n stinking behaviours will b entertained encouraged n uprifted.Hapa jamhuri yetu it’s 10 yrs in jail n if u bring such bullshit kwa open the community/public will petrol you straight to HELL.

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