Spare Mutua and support efforts to amend film law

I have tried keenly to understand all the flak Ezekiel Mutua has been getting in the face of misleading reports that suggest the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) intends to introduce a new law to replace the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.

According to a survey commissioned by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), seven out of 10 respondents were uncomfortable with radio and TV content. Sex talk shows during the day as well as violence and the use of coarse language on radio and television contributed massively to the disapproval.

The study consequently lays the ground for CA to crack down on broadcasters in a bid to protect children.

Mr. Mutua has been vocal that KFCB is not introducing a new law but initiating the process of facilitating a review of the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 to make it consistent with the Constitution of Kenya and other legislation in Kenya’s creative industry since 1963.

If there is anything wrong with Cap 222, it must be amended in an amicable and civilized way without attacking or fighting Mutua.

We have seen how unregulated content can destroy our children. Feeding them with bad content, hate speech, political demonstrations and even corrupt stories sets a bad precedent.

We should all support efforts to amend the law by removing the bad sections. KFCB is just following the law. We should never personalize issues and the law. I personally support a review of Cap 222 in line with the Constitution.