A few months ago, the Kenyan filmmaker, Wanuri Kahiu, sued the country’s government after her film, Rafiki, was censored over lesbian content. Kahiu alleged that the government banned the film after she refused suggestions to make the characters “remorseful” at the end. As Kenya banned Cannes entry RAFIKI for its lesbian content, thus making it ineligible for submission.
Even though the ban was temporarily lifted by the High Court earlier on Friday and allowed Kenyans to watch it for 7 days many are still wondering why the Ezekiel Mutua stands against the film. Earlier today, he mentioned that adults are allowed to watch it, as long as children are not present during the screening.
Finally in agreement about film being screened but again he has expressed his disappointment and concerns.” Our concern is the bigger debate around homosexual content and the insidious agenda by foreign NGOs to promote homosexuality in Kenya” he stated in one of the tweets.
The film “Rafiki” as an entity, is the least of our problems. Willing adults can watch it as long as children are not admitted in the screening. Our concern is the bigger debate around homosexual content and the insidious agenda by foreign NGOs to promote homosexuality in Kenya
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) September 23, 2018
His major concern seems to be the fact that the film in glorifies vices. In his words, he says you can’t create movies glorifying vices.In this case referring to homosexuality. ‘We are not against movies on such themes but the objective of content regulation is to ensure that films conform to our cultural values’
People can create or watch movies about homosexuality, murder, drugs, terror, robbery etc, but you can’t create movies glorifying those vices. We are not against movies on such themes but the objective of content regulation is to ensure that films conform to our cultural values
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) September 22, 2018
After sharing a bible verse, kenyans have reacted urging him not to mix matters of religion with policies. According to most they feel that this is what contributes to him not understanding the whole concept of the movie and for some reason, it limits him to embrace the happenings of the current times.
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap. . .
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) September 23, 2018
Jewish Jehovah,Mecca’s Allah,Rome’s God …
As a public servant what you need is just to follow the law.Quit mixing religion with the law,for the sake of that office you hold.
— El Sudani (@TheMachira) September 23, 2018