Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Ezekiel Mutua has been sued by film maker Wanuri Kahiu for banning her ‘lesbian’ film

Ms. Kahiu with the help of lobby group Creative Economy Working Group sued KFCB with its boss and asked the High Court to temporarily lift the ban because the film was to be submitted to the 2019 Oscars Award as Kenya’s entry to the Best Foreign language film category.

Illegal

They also argued that the Kenya Films Classification guidelines 2012 be declared illegal and be awarded Sh8.5 million compensation for projected sale from theatrical distribution of the film Rafiki and loss of sponsorship.

“If this matter is not certified urgent and heard on a priority basis, it would be rendered nugatory because Ms Kahiu’s film would be left out of the competition,” said Kahiu’s lawyers Waikwa Wanyoike and Sofia Rajab-Leteipan.

According to Nairobi News, in documents submitted in Court, they claimed that they submitted the original script and were granted a license by KFCB Chief Executive Officer Mutua in February last year.

They also said they submitted a revised script and obtained an endorsement on the filming license.

Rafiki is a love story of two teenage girls who develop a romantic relationship, which is opposed by their families and community that was banned by the KFCB over claims that its content promoted lesbianism.