The Egyptian interior ministry has said that performing the viral “KeKe Dance Challenge” on public roads violates the country’s traffic law and can lead to one year in jail.
The challenge – which has gone viral worldwide over the past few days – involves car passengers getting out of the vehicle while it is moving and dancing to Drake’s song “In My Feelings”, aka “Keke Do You Love”, while the car’s driver films. Some Egyptians have modified the challenge by dancing to Arabic songs.
#KEKE (#كيكي) has become a trending hashtag on Twitter in Egypt, with many users uploading videos of themselves, friends or relatives performing the challenge in different areas around the country.
As the summer season has reached its peak in Egypt, many have made posts performing the challenge on roads in different coastal areas such as the north coast and Hurghada’s El-Gouna.
The challenge has been performed by celebrities including actresses Dina El-Sherbini, Yasmin Raies and Dorra Zarrouk, as well as the goalkeeper for the national football team Essam El-Hadary.
Although no incidents involving anyone being hurt while performing the challenge have been reported in Egypt, some videos posted by social media users in other countries have shown people falling while attempting to exit moving cars.
The Egyptian interior minister has said that the challenge violates traffic laws.
Traffic law
Magdy El-Shahed, an aide to the interior minister, warned on Monday against performing the KeKe Challenge on public roads.
“Article 81 of the traffic law stipulates a penalty of one year in prison and a fine ranging from EGP 1,000 to EGP 3,000 for anyone who obstructs traffic or endangers the lives of others,” El-Shahed told CBC Extra news channel in a phone call.
He added that those who break this law twice within one year could face an increased sentence.
El-Shahed also said that if the incident causes injury or death or damages vehicles, the perpetrator will be referred to the Public Prosecution and charged with a felony, which carries stronger sentences.
Drivers who operate their vehicles without closing the door can face a fine ranging from EGP 100 to EGP 1,000, and drivers who deliberately obstruct traffic can face six months in prison and a fine between EGP 600 to EGP 1,000.
“A permit must be obtained from security authorities for vehicles to move in a motorcade, otherwise perpetrators’ driving licenses can be withdrawn for a period between one to three months,” El-Shahed added.
The ministry official also said that Article 65 of the traffic law stipulates a penalty for drivers who leave their vehicles unattended on the road, and violators could be imprisoned for six months and be fined between EGP 200 and EGP 2,000.
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