The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has restricted Wanuri Kahiu lesbian film “Rafiki”, which is set to premiere at Cannes Festival in France, over its homosexual theme.

According to a statement by the board’s CEO Ezekiel Mutua, the film’s homosexual theme is contrary to the laws of the country.

“The Board has restricted a local film titled ‘Rafiki’ produced by Awali Entertainment Ltd. Its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya is contrary to the law,” KFCB said in a statement.

“Consequently, the said film should not be distributed, exhibited or broadcast anywhere within the Republic of Kenya and anyone found in possession of it will also be in breach of law,” Mutua said in the statement.

According to KFCB  the decision to restrict the film Rafiki was arrived at after the film’s director Wanuri  Kahiu failed to edit the movie to remove the elements the agency had identified as offensive.

The board has also accused the producers of the film of altering the script they had submitted for licensing in contravention of section 7 of CAP 222. It particularly cites that romantic scenes depicting the lead actors as lesbians in the film were absent in the script submitted for classification.

“It is also important to note that the producers of the film, in contravention of Section 7 of CAP 222, altered the film script which they submitted for licensing to the film licensing section without permission”

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Mutua maintained that Films that undermine the institution of family as envisioned in the constitution as the basic unit of society will not be tolerated in the country.

We wish to emphasize the fact that films made in Kenya for public consumption MUST reflect and respect the dominant values of Kenyan society. Any attempt to introduce and normalize homosexuality in Kenya flies in the face of the law and the constitution and must be resisted. Hare-brained schemes by foreigners funding film producers in Kenya to promote homosexuality in the name of equality and inclusion will be exposed and strongly resisted. he said.

Wanuri Kahiu film, Rafiki, is Kenya’s first film to be selected to screen at the prestigious Cannes festival.

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