Ezekiel Mutua, Makau Mutua Clash on Twitter over Plans to Ban Pornography in Kenya

US-based attorney Prof. Makau Mutua and Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua have clashed on Twitter over plans to ban pornography in Kenya.

Prof. Makau criticized Mutua and Garissa Township MP Aden Duale over their push for the criminalization of pornography, saying the proposal is an attack on free speech.

“The likes of Duale and Mutua must get it in their noggin that Kenya isn’t a mosque or church. It’s a secular state governed under secular — not religious — law. Criminalizing pornography is Neanderthal legal paganism. The law is an attack on free speech,” Makau tweeted.

His tweet triggered an angry response from Ezekiel Mutua, who accused him of “defending useless things with big English.“

“How is pornography a “speech” let alone a free one?!! Sometimes I am baffled at how you defend useless things with big English, lazed in sinful fanaticism. To use big words that mean nothing to make others look bad because of their convictions is the domain of narcissists!” wrote Mutua.

In a quick rejoinder, Makau said: “Daktari, mbona umeamka na roho mbaya? Speech refers to the expression of or the ability to express — and receive — thoughts and feelings by many means. It includes literal speech and other forms of communication through images, media, art, signs, film, words, press, video/audio.”

Mutua defended Duale’s Bill, saying it does curtail free speech as alleged by Prof. Makau.

“Lol, pole Prof. I didn't mean to be offensive. But on a serious note, the Duale Bill does not in any way curtail free speech. We need a law to tame the madness in these streets. Freedom without responsibility is a recipe for chaos. No one should share nudes on social media!” he noted.

Anybody sharing pornographic material on the internet will risk a Sh20 million fine or a 25-year jail term or both if the Bill is approved.

The Bill seeks to amend the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to prohibit sharing of pornographic materials online.