Police officers have arrested gospel Artist William Getumbe over indecent content.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, March 12, indicating that the arrest was successful in partnership with Police from Kapsoya Police Station
Additionally, the statement explained that the singer was arrested after the lapse of a seven-day demand notice issued to him for violating the constitution through his ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ music video, among others.
“We have arrested and detained Gospel artiste William Getumbe over non-compliance with the Films and Stage Play Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya,” KFCB said in a statement.
Charges Getumbe will Face
The artist will be arraigned in Court on Wednesday, 13th March 2024 to face the charges of filming without a license which contravenes Part II, Section 4 of Cap 222 according to KFCB.
Other charges include distribution and exhibition of unclassified audio-visual content in breach of Part III, Section 12 of the Cap 222.
Furthermore, the gospel singer will also be charged of 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.
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KFCB said that it takes a strong stance against the creation, distribution, possession, broadcasting, and exhibition of ‘indecent content that goes against the values and morals of our society.
“To this effect, the Board is collaborating with relevant platform owners to pull down the targeted content,” KFCB said.
The Board further 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.
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Govt Earlier Issued a Warning to the Gospel Artist
KFCB had written a demand letter to Getumbe and Embarambamba on 28th February asking them 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.
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua also earlier emphasized the need for artists to produce clean content.
“Embarambamba and Getumbe obnoxious content will be deleted from social media. MCSK has also initiated the process of deregistering the two from the Society,” Mutua said earlier.
“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.