Comedian Eric Omondi arrested, to be charged in court
authorities accused him of contravening the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya
By Adieri Mulaa
Controversial Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi is in police custody following his apprehension on Thursday 11 March, 2021.
The comedian was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in a sting operation involving Compliance Officers from the Kenya Film Classification Board.
A statement issued by KFCB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ezekiel Mutua on Thursday indicated Omondi had violated provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws Kenya.
“The Kenya Film Classification Board Compliance Officers in conjunction with Police Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have this afternoon arrested one Eric Omondi for producing and distributing unauthorised films dubbed – wife material”, the statement said in part.
Omondi is expected to be arraigned in court for contravening the law. Under the Films and Stage Plays Act, no person shall exhibit any film at an exhibition to which the public is admitted, or distribute such film, unless one is registered as an exhibitor or distributor by the Board and issued with a certificate.
The Act further states that no film or class of film shall be distributed, exhibited, or broadcast, either publicly or privately, unless the Board has examined it and issued a certificate of approval in respect thereof.
The law provides that any person who exhibits any film in contravention of the provisions of Cap 222 (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence.
Dr Mutua warned that the Board would take all possible legal means to curb production and exhibition of unauthorised films on any platform meant for public exhibition.
“Protection of children from exposure to harmful content remains our core mandate. Any artist producing content for public consumption in the Republic of Kenya must ensure compliance with the provisions of the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya”, the KFCB Chief Executive Officer said in a statement.
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