Kenyan Gospel Musician William Getumbe Speaks Out After Court Detention Over Song License Row
The landmark decision was hailed by Getumbe as a victory not just for him, but for all Kenyan content creators and social media users.
Gospel musician William Getumbe.
By Juliet Jerotich
Gospel musician William Getumbe has spoken out after a recent legal tussle that saw him briefly detained over licensing issues related to his popular song “Yesu Ninyandue.”
Getumbe claims he was unlawfully detained at Kapsoya Police Station in Eldoret following a demand from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) that he obtain a license before posting his gospel songs on social media platforms.
According to Getumbe, the board insisted that he travel to Nairobi within seven days to comply with licensing requirements—terms he deemed harsh and unconstitutional.
“The conditions outlined in the letter were not only harsh but also infringed on my constitutional rights. I could not travel to Nairobi as instructed,” Getumbe explained.
The situation escalated when Getumbe’s lawyer, Mark, took the matter to the constitutional court. In a ruling that has since garnered attention across Kenya’s creative industry, Justice Mugambi suspended the case and declared KFCB’s demands null and void.
The landmark decision was hailed by Getumbe as a victory not just for him, but for all Kenyan content creators and social media users.
“This ruling is a win for everyone who uses social media to share content. It sends a clear message that creativity and freedom of expression cannot be stifled,” he said.
Getumbe warned that imposing payment requirements for social media content could harm youth livelihoods, as many young people now rely on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to earn a living.
“I applaud all content creators and encourage them to continue using social media positively. Many of us depend on subscribers and viewers to gain brand partnerships and advertising opportunities,” he added.
The gospel artist’s case has sparked a broader debate on the regulation of digital content in Kenya, with calls for more inclusive and supportive policies for artists and online creators.
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