Criticism of movies is not homophobic reactions

Sheila Munyiva and Samantha Mugatsia, who played the leading roles in ‘Rafiki’

Justice Wilfrida Okwany of the High Court was unpersuaded. In fact, she considered it rather vexatious and an insult to the intelligence of Kenyans, for the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) to ban screening and distribution of the film ‘Rafiki’, on the flimsy grounds of its homosexual theme and apparent intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya.

“I am not convinced that Kenya is such a weak society whose moral foundation will be shaken by simply watching a film depicting gay themes,” the Judge reasoned in her ruling. She proceeded to strongly defend the production of the movie, arguing that, “One of the reasons for artistic creativity is to stir society’s conscience even on very vexing topics such as homosexuality.” But, the clincher was her argument that no one was going to be forced to watch the movie anyway. Thus, the judge found the ban superfluous. She lifted it, albeit for only a one-week window.