Gospel singer Getumbe arrested over 'indecent content'

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) now says that gospel singer William Getumbe has been arrested over indecent content.

In a letter seen by the Star, acting KFCB chief executive Nelly Muluka said the arrest follows the close of a seven-day demand notice that had been issued to him for violating the Films and Stage Play Act.

He was arrested in Eldoret on Tuesday and will be arraigned on Wednesday.

"The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) through its North Rift Regional Office, Eldoret and with the support of Police from Kapsoya Police Station have arrested and detained Gospel artiste William Getumbe over non-compliance with the Films and Stages Play Act, Cap 222 of the laws of Kenya," KFCB said.

Getumbe is famed for the song 'Yesu Ninyandue'.

Muluka, in the statement, added that Getumbe will face three charges including filming without a license, which contravenes Part II, Section 4 of Cap 222.

He will also be charged with, "Distribution and exhibition of unclassified audio-visual content in breach of Part III, section 12 of the Cap 222."

"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 called on members of the public to report any cases of indecent content distributed or exhibited on social media.

The board also affirmed its position against the production and distribution of indecent content.

Last week, Getumbe and another gospel singer, Chris Embarambamba were ordered to pull down their latest songs from across all media platforms for violating the Films and Stage Plays Act.

KFCB said the songs titled ‘Niko Uchi’ and ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ contravene the law and threaten the safety of children and the general public at large.

“The song titled ‘Niko Uchi’, which is the purported gospel, invites ridicule to the Christian religion, contains nudity and vulgarity,” Muluka said.

“It has further been noted that some of the artist’s dancing styles are violent and others present imitable behavior, which if copied by children/minors, can be dangerous and disastrous,” she added.

Muluka said letters have been dispatched to Embarambamba and Getumbe to pull down the content “failure to which they will face the law in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya".

Muluka said letters have also been sent to various platform operators to pull down the inappropriate content.