KFCB Boss Ezekiel Mutua Bans Kenyan Lesbian Film 'Rafiki'

The Kenya film and classification board (KFCB) has banned a Kenyan lesbian movie, Rafiki.

Speaking to the media on Friday, KFCB chief executive Ezekiel Mutua announced the agency had prohibited the distribution, exhibition and broadcast of the film. The self-declared Kenyan 'moral police' said the film's homosexuality nature was against the Kenyan law, culture and values.

“Rafiki has homosexual scenes counter to the law, the culture and the moral values of the Kenyan people. It seeks to legitimize lesbian romance," Mutua stated.

“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.

Reacting to the ban, the movie’s director Wanuri Kahiu, an award winning filmmaker, said: “Kenyans are mature and discerning enough to watch local content but their right has been denied.”

"I'm really disappointed because Kenyans already have access to watch films that have LGBT content, on Netflix, and in international films shown in Kenya and permitted by the classification board itself."

"So to then just ban a Kenyan film because it deals with something already happening in society just seems like a contradiction," she told Reuters.

The film has earned praise from top Hollywood actors including Oscars winner Lupita Nyong’o and Kerry Washington. Rafiki has been nominated for the Cannes Film Festival in France, making it the first feature film to be selected.

Rafiki is a story about two girls, Kena and Ziki, who fall in love in an environment that is hostile toward the subject of homosexuality.

In an interview on CNN last week, President Kenyatta said homosexuality isn't a subject of any importance in Kenya. He said it goes against the believe and culture of majority if Kenyan communities.