This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Kenya Films Classification Board boss Ezekiel Mutua's decision to ban hit songs Tetema and Wamlambez has sparked outrage from the public, with many questioning the move.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga was quick to slam Mutua's decision, calling it an overreach of authority. In a tweet, Mutua described the songs as 'pure pornography' and said the lyrics were 'dirty and not suitable for public consumption.'
Mutunga responded to Mutua's tweet, saying 'Let the youth continue playing/dancing! You keep playing/dancing to Twist and Kung Fu!' He also questioned why Mutua was restricting the songs to clubs and bars only, saying it was an attempt to control what people listened to.
Wamlambez is a Kenyan local hit song by Sailers, while Tetema is a mega-hit by Tanzanian bongo stars Rayvanny and Diamond Platinumz. The ban has been met with criticism from many, including CS Kiunjuri, who posted a video dancing to the Tetema song just hours after the ban was announced.
As the controversy surrounding the ban continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what action will be taken by Mutua.
