Betrayal In The City: Creative Class Livid As Ruto’s Regime Tightens Grip on YouTube Content Creators

In a move that reeks of betrayal and authoritarian overreach, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has issued a draconian ultimatum to YouTube content creators, demanding they obtain filming licenses and submit their videos for examination before sharing them with the public.

This directive, under the guise of regulatory oversight, threatens to stifle Kenya's vibrant creative community that has thrived online.

The ultimatum, delivered by KFCB’s Acting CEO Paskal Opiyo, specifically targets notable YouTubers such as Abel Mutua, Njugush, Oga Obinna, Terence Creative, and Awinja Nyamwalo. They have been given 14 days to comply or face legal action.

“Our attention has been drawn to your YouTube channel where you have continuously uploaded audio-visual content for purposes of exhibiting and distributing it to the public, without acquiring the requisite filming licences from Kenya Film Classification Board,” reads the ominous letter.

This heavy-handed approach reveals a troubling reality: President William Ruto, who once touted himself as a champion of the youth and the creative economy, is now systematically dismantling the very support structures that propelled him to power. The betrayal is stark. Content creators, who played a pivotal role in Ruto’s ascension by endorsing him, now find themselves under "sieke."

Recall MC Jessy, the comedian and content creator, who enthusiastically endorsed Ruto as a “saviour of the youth” and a “friend of content creators”? His endorsement was a strategic move by Ruto to rally the creative sector to the ballot. Now, Jessy and his peers are grappling with a harsh reality: the administration they supported is turning against them.

Content creator Awinja Nyamwalo did not mince words in her response to the KFCB’s directives: “Yaani the moment there has been increased positive content creation, job creation and international recognition, KFCB mnafufuka. The fact that you have not even considered a sit-down with content creators, you’ve just gone straight to red-taping us, it says so much about your intentions.” Her outrage is a sentiment shared across the creative community.

Oga Obinna, another YouTube sensation, echoed this frustration, expressing confusion and disbelief: “Sasa hii ni gani tena? Hebu mni-update jamani, mimi nimechanganyikiwa. Fellow YouTube owners mko na licence?” His reaction underscores the widespread disillusionment among creators who feel blindsided by these new demands.

Terence Creative, known for his satirical series "Wash Wash,” also weighed in, emphasising the innocence and societal value of his work: “Aki Wash Wash si ukweli ni kipindi tu mi hufanya kuhamasisha Wakenya wasiibiwe...ni acting tu aki...vitu mingi hapo ni za kutag watu...” His plea highlights the educational and entertaining roles that content creators play, roles now under threat by KFCB’s overreach.

This crackdown is not just a regulatory issue; it’s a political one.

The same administration that wooed the church and mama mboga, to climb to State House is now systematically dismantling its support base. The chickens are fully and properly home to roost. The youth and creatives, who were once promised support and empowerment, now face bureaucratic strangulation.

The implications are profound. If these demands are enforced, they will stifle creativity, limit freedom of expression, and curtail the economic benefits of content creation, which has provided livelihoods for many young Kenyans. It’s a chilling reminder that the promises of political leaders often come with hidden costs, and the true price is now being paid by those who trusted and supported them.

As this morass unfolds, it’s crucial for the creative community and the broader public to hold the government accountable. The voices of content creators must not be silenced by regulatory overreach. Instead, this moment calls for solidarity and resistance against policies that threaten to undo the progress and vibrancy of Kenya’s digital creative economy.

But then again, Ruto was crystal clear right out of the gate: "Nikiweka tu bibilia chini..."