William Getumbe, musician behind blasphemous song ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ has been arrested in Eldoret.
Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) confirmed the news in a statement, saying he was arrested by Kapsoya police officers.
“KFCB through its North Rift Regional office in Eldoret, and with the support of police from Kapsoya Police Station have arrested and detained gospel artist William Getumbe over non-compliance with the Films and Stage Play Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya,” read part of the statement.
Getumbe reportedly failed to compLy with the seven-day demand notice from KFCB on why he filmed the ‘Yesu Ninyandue’ song with a license.
According to the statement, the upcoming artist Sections 4 and Cap 222 governing creation, possession, distribution and exhibition of audio-visual content in Kenya.
The film regulatory body urged content creators to produce material that aligns with Kenya’s culture, moral values and national aspirations.
“We encourage members of the public to report to KFCB any instances of ‘indecent’ content distributed or exhibited via social media platforms and other broadcast channels for appropriate action to be taken,” KFCB added.
Kenyans sharing the blasphemous song which went viral were also cautioned against such practices which is viewed as promoting such indecent material.
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua spoke on the matter last month, saying Getumbe would not earn royalties for the next five years.
“If the resolution by a recent special AGM is upheld, the two will not be members of MCSK and will not earn any royalties for FIVE years. Repeat offense will earn them a life ban! We must get rid of this madness and restore sanity. Thank you KFCB for acting,” HE WROTE.
Another gospel musician- Embarambamba- narrowly escaped similar fate after he was also issued with a demand letter who also featured in the viral song.
He recently met Ezekiel Mutua, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro and lawyer Danstan Omari who promised him a ‘second chance’.
