This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On August 27, 2019, Kenya Film Classification Board chief executive Ezekiel Mutua sparked controversy with a tweet proposing a restriction on two local songs in public places.
The songs in question are 'Wamlambez' by Sailors and 'Tetema' by Rayvany and Diamond Platnumz, both of which contain explicit lyrics.
According to Dr. Mutua, the songs are 'pure pornography' and should only be played in nightclubs and bars, where adults are likely to be present.
Dr. Mutua's tweet sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users praising his decision and others criticizing it as a form of censorship.
One user, @scripturemonger, wrote, 'When Society defends the out rightly immoral it is a sign that our conscience is dead. It is a horrible place to be in as a Country. Though late good work Mr Mutua.'
On the other hand, @TrulyAnneNdegwa posted, 'Who has banned Wamlambez? Honestly, something is wrong with Ezekiel Mutua. It's actually too late to ban that song! Too too late! Someone should just give him a proper job! He's too idle.'
These are not the first songs to be banned this year. The Kenya Film Classification Board has also listed 'Takataka' by Alvindo and 'Kwangwaru' by Diamond Platnumz as immoral content.
