Following the arrest of comedian Eric Omondi on the 11th of March 2021, the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has issued a statement to suspend the Wife Material show. The comedian was arrested on accusations of producing unauthorized content contrary to the films and stage plays Act Cap.222 of the laws of Kenya.
He apologized to the Board and requested an out-of-court settlement in regards to the case that was reached on agreement by both parties to settle the matter out fo court.
The board further passed a ruling to have the show suspended until the case is heard and determined and will be continued if only it meets the films and stage play Act Cap 222 of the laws of Kenya.
The comedian will also delete all the explicit content running on his channels while the producers of the show shall submit the same for examination and classification by the Board for age appropriateness to ensure the protection of children from exposure to adult content
Moving forward, the comedian would commit not to exhibit or broadcast explicit content meant for public consumption on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms unless it is approved by the Board.
There should be no more exhibition of content that promotes pornography or portrays women and youth as sexual objects and the comedian fully complies with all the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap.222 in respect to content regulations and also the delimitations in Article 33 of the constitution and shall not promote propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or vilification of persons.
According to the statement, The KFCB Chief said “the issue will be determined by select committee members who include comedians such as Jalang’o, Daniel Ndambuki well known as Churchill, and alongside other popular entertainers such as Big Ted, Refigah, Nonini, and other stakeholders”
He added, “creatives should think about their audiences especially children and endeavour to be responsible in the creation and exhibition of their content and ensure full compliance with the law.”