Kenya bans Rafiki ahead of Cannes debut over lesbian scenes

The first Kenyan film set to air at the prestigious Cannes festival in France will not be seen by audiences in Kenya because it has been banned. Rafiki, which means "friend" in Kiswahili, tells the story of two young women who fall in love. 

Director of the movie, Wanuri Kahiu says it was inspired by the 2007 Caine Prize-winning short story Jambula Tree by Ugandan writer Monica Arac Nyeko. 

However, Kenya's film regulator has banned the film because it is against Kenya's law and moral values. Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya, as in most African countries. Gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

GBCONLINE
---DECRYPTED---