Ezekiel Mutua:”I did not ban Rafiki movie”

 

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Ezekiel Mutua

Ezekiel Mutua has defended himself on the ban of Rafiki Kenyan film while Speaking at an interview in a morning radio show on Hot 96

Rafiki is a love story of two teenage girls who develop a romantic relationship, which is opposed by their families and community.It was written  by written and co-produced by Ms Kahiu but was banned for promoting lesbianism.

In the interview Mr. Mutua said he does not ban movies. He explained that there are 15 external examiners who make the decision, the examiners are made of professional members of the public, from journalists, lawyers, psychologists and educationalists.

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Casts in Rafiki film

The KFCB CEO said the people who make decisions to ban movies are not employees of KFCB, he explained that it is so to avoid any internal manipulation.

The High Court  temporarily lifted the ban imposed by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on Rafiki film to allow it be considered for an award at the Oscars.In making the ruling, Justice Okwany cited Kenyan artists who’ve had to flee the country and to seek asylum because their creations went against the grain of societal expectations.

Ms Wanuri Kahiu had sued KFCB and its boss Ezekiel Mutua over the ban since it was to be submitted to the 2019 Oscars Award as Kenya’s entry to the Best Foreign Language film category.According to Ms Kahiu and the lobby, the ban on the film is contrary to the freedom of artistic creativity.

After the ruling Mr Mutua said that it would be a tragedy and a shame to have homosexual films define the Kenyan culture.

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‘Rafiki’ Director Wanuri Kahiu poses with actors Sheila Munyiva and Samantha Mugatsia

“That’s not who we are and homosexuality is not our way of life,” Mutua tweeted, further questioning whether people find pleasure in watching films that feature gay sex.

“Shame on those foreign NGOs who want to use gay content as a tool for marketing the film industry in Kenya. SHINDWE!,” he added.

He issued a veiled threat, saying the public theatres need the KFCB approval to exhibit the film.

“If people want to screen the homosexual film in their houses that’s fine.”

He also spoke about the need to guard cyber space and enhance public awareness especially among kids to inform them that criminals are on line.

He also proposed the need  of a benevolent dictator forte country who will not take nonsense who will say this is it .

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The KFCB boss rebuked the culture that Kenyans have of pulling each other down in church, politics and respective professions.

Ezekiel highlighted how Kenyans joke around, mock leaders, have no respect for God, authorities, and parents saying we can’t progress this way as a country.

He called on the leaders to set the right tone by walking the talk.

Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) directors renewed his term as the chief executive for three more years.Dr. Mutua was first appointed CEO on October 26, 2015, and his tenure was set to end this Friday.However, the directors have deemed it fit to renew his contract for a second term.

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