Gospel artiste William Getumbe arrested over alleged indecent content

Controversial gospel singer William Getumbe has been arrested over alleged non-compliance with the Films and Stage Play Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.

The arrest was made public by the The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) – with a revelation that Getumbe was apprehended by Police from Kapsoya Police Station with the help of their officials from their North Rift Regional Office, Eldoret.

Getumbe’s arrest comes after the lapse of a seven-day ‘Demand Notice’ issued to him for violating Sections 4 and 12 of Cap 222 governing the creation, possession, distribution and exhibition of audio-visual content in Kenya, specifically the creation, distribution, and exhibition of the blasphemous ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ music video, among others.

The artist will be arraigned in Court on Wednesday, 13th March 2024 to face the following charges:

a) Filming without a license which contravenes Part II, Section 4 of Cap 222. b) Distribution and exhibition of unclassified audio-visual content in breach of Part III, Section 12 of the Cap 222.
c) 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.

KFCB noted that they take a strong stance against the creation, distribution, possession, broadcasting, and exhibition of ‘indecent’ content that goes against the values and morals of our society.

“As the Government agency mandated to regulate film and broadcast content space within the country, the Board urges 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. To this effect, the Board is collaborating with relevant platform owners to pull down the targeted content,’ a statement from KFCB said.

They further appealed to members of the public to report to KFCB any instances of ‘indecent’ content distributed or exhibited via social media platform and other broadcast channels for appropriate action to be taken.

“Further, the Board appeals to members of the public to desist from circulating inappropriate audio-visual content that the Board has flagged, as doing so will result in legal action,” KFCB added.