“William Ruto skiza budaa, mimi sikuogopi!” “Mike Sonko kaa mbali na wasenge!”
In Kenya, the rights of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community have been a subject of ongoing debate and discussion.
The country’s laws and societal attitudes towards homosexuality and non-binary gender identities have historically been conservative and restrictive.
Kenyans living abroad are now warning President Ruto and Mike Sonko to stay away from their lives.
Under Section 162 of the Kenyan Penal Code, same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults is criminalized and can be punished with up to 14 years of imprisonment.
Additionally, Section 165 of the same code prohibits “indecent practices between males,” which is often used to target individuals based on their sexual orientation.
The discriminatory legal framework and societal stigma surrounding LGBTQ individuals have led to widespread discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Many members of the LGBTQ community face challenges in their personal lives, workplaces, and even within their own families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Despite these challenges, there have been positive developments in recent years.
Activists, both within the LGBTQ community and among human rights organizations, have been working tirelessly to advocate for the rights and equal treatment of LGBTQ individuals in Kenya.
Uganda recently passed laws criminalizing LGBTQ and pro-queer community supporters in their country.
