Kenya Bans US Comedy-Drama TV Series Over Gay Content

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has banned American comedy-drama television series Andy Mack, which is aired on Disney Channel over a gay character.

KFCB chief executive officer Ezekiel Mutua said his agency has suspended the program from being aired in Kenya, adding that “any attempt to introduce gay programming in Kenya will be met with the full force of the law.”

"Attempts to introduce gay program in Kenya will be met with the full force of the law," Mutua said on Twitter.

Mutua says homosexuality goes against the values of Kenyan society, and such such shows that promote the lifestyle will not be allowed on Kenyan airwaves. “Homosexuality goes against the collective and values by the people of Kenya,” says Mutua.

“Andi Mack is a story about ‘tweens’ figuring out who they are,” says Disney Channel in a statement.

“(Creator) Terri Minsky, the cast and everyone involved in the show takes great care in ensuring that it’s appropriate for all audiences and sends a powerful message about inclusion and respect for humanity.”

Following the ban by KFCB, Multichoice, whose channel the content is aired said it has struck out the program. “Following numerous media reports regarding the upcoming Andi Mack Disney Series, Multichoice has consulted its channel provider, Disney and would like to confirm that this show was not scheduled to air on any of Disney Channels on DStv or GOtv.”

GOtv, an affiliate of Mulitichoice tweeted; ““Disney (Disney Channel/Disney XD/Disney Junior) has always created inclusive stories that reflect acceptance and tolerance and seek to entertain through inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience. Our shows are developed to be relevant to kids and families globally while being extremely respectful of each market’s cultural sensibilities, compliance, rules and regulations.”