By Joab Apollo
Nothing unites Kenyans like outrage over same-sex unions. It does not matter which religion or political ideology one professes; Neither does it matter from which region or tribe one hails. The country is hammer and tongs against homosexuality.
From the top of their voices, displeased Kenyans will vent anger while the spiritual ones will go a step further and zealosly convene prayer meetings to summon God to deal with what they describe as agents of the devil.
And the state is unwaveringly breathing the same fire its citizens is breathing. On Thursday, the Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) lived up to the letter and spirit of the Kenyan constitution when it banned “I am Samuel”, a film which seeks to normalize same-sex unions in the religious conservative East African country.
In a statement, the board said the the theme of the film centre around sexual relationships which are abominable to the cultural and religious tenets of Kenya. It also argued that it blatantly violates Article of the Kenyan Penal Code and Films and Stage Play Act Cap 222, which outlaws homosexuality.
“On the basis of religion as a classifiable element, the board finds the documentary not only blasphemous but also an attempt to use religion to advocate same-sex marriage,” the statement said
“The documentary is, therefore, unacceptable and an affront to our culture and identity.” It added.
The 52 minute film shows two gay men walking down the isle in a Christian marriage ceremony, complete with songs and sermons, a development which Kenyans have deemed a slap on the face for the Christian faith.
Homosexuality is practised silently by a small section of the Kenyan society for fear of reprisal attacks. Attempts by proponents to cultivate it, either through social media activism or symbolic dress code, have always drawn the wrath of a citizenry that views it as dirty and abominable.