Westlands MP Pushes for Ban on ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Books in Kenya.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has urged the government to prohibit the American children’s book series The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, arguing that its language is inappropriate for children.
The legislator has called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba to clarify why the series remains available in Kenya and has not been banned.
He also seeks an explanation of the steps being taken to prevent books with unsuitable content from circulating in the country.
In response, the Education Cabinet Secretary stated that the book is not among those approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development for use in schools.
According to the ministry, regulating books in Kenya falls under the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, as per the Books and Newspapers Act Cap 111.
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The matter, he added, has been referred to the appropriate ministry for action. Ogamba emphasized that they would ensure the book is removed from approval lists.
Series Background and Global Impact
The illustrated series, authored by Jeff Kinney, follows Greg Heffley, a humorous middle-schooler with a unique perspective on life. Since the release of its first book in 2007, the series has achieved immense popularity, selling over 290 million copies in 69 languages. It has also inspired several film adaptations.
Despite its widespread acclaim for humor and relatability, the series has faced criticism and bans in some countries. In Tanzania, the government banned the books from schools last year, citing violations of local cultural norms and morals.
Tanzania’s Education Minister Adolf Mkenda explained that the books were removed from libraries in public and private schools to uphold the country’s moral values.
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Authorities believe the series promotes foreign behaviors deemed inappropriate, including themes related to transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and asexual identities.
The Tanzanian government also urged parents to inspect their children’s belongings to ensure they do not possess the banned books. Mkenda revealed that the series was part of a preliminary list of unacceptable materials, and the public was encouraged to report similar publications as investigations continued.
Florida’s Legislative Ban
In addition to Tanzania, the Florida State Legislature has also banned The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, expressing concerns over its so-called “woke” undertones. The legislature accused the series of conveying concealed messages that could undermine traditional moral values.
While Mr. Wanyonyi has not specified the objectionable content in the series, his call to ban it aligns with actions taken in other jurisdictions. This development has sparked debate on the balance between protecting cultural values and promoting global literature for children.
Westlands MP Pushes for Ban on ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ Books in Kenya.
