The High Court has dismissed a case filed by Eldoret-based artist William Getumbe, who was seeking compensation from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) after one of his songs was banned.
Getumbe had approached the court demanding over Ksh.243,000 in damages, claiming losses following the February 2023 decision by KFCB to restrict the distribution of his music.
The KFCB had flagged the song for allegedly violating content regulations, citing concerns about its impact on public sensibilities and religious values. The board also directed the musician to take down the track from online platforms, warning of possible legal action under the Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222) if he failed to comply.
The banned song was part of a broader crackdown by KFCB, which also included a track by Kisii-based musician Chris Embarambamba. That song was similarly criticized for content that the board argued could be seen as inappropriate under current media standards.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi, presiding over the case, ruled that the ban was within KFCB’s legal mandate and dismissed the petition.
