By David Kuria Founding Director, Gay and Lesbian Coalition Kenya (GALCK) August 2012 Here is update on the LGBT situation in Kenya for our LGBT community in recent years. I have focused on the broader picture of the movement and the social scene. Having been involved as the first director, of Galck, it is likely
The country is named after Mount Kenya, a very significant landmark and the second highest mountain peak of Africa. Violent riots followed the flawed national elections in December 2007. 1500 people were killed in ethnic and political fighting. On 28 February 2008, an agreement on the formation of a coalition government was signed in which the opposition leader would become Kenya’s second Prime Minister. The Penal Code criminalizes homosexual behavior and attempted homosexual behavior between men, which is referred to as “carnal knowledge against the order of nature”. The penalty is 5 to 14 years’ imprisonment (rarely enforced). Lesbian relations are not prohibited in the law.
Name: Kenya
Population: 30080000
Capital: Nairobi - Pop. 2818000
Area: 580367 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: English, Kiswahili, numerous indigenous languages
Religion: Protestant, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Muslim
Status of Homosexuality: Illegal for males; not mentioned for females
Telephone Country Code: 254
Gay Kenya Continues Out and Proud in 2012
Homosexuality in Kenya continues to be a controversial issue, but gay rights advocates continue their advocacy for equality and tolerance. The most vigorous organization is Gays and Lesbians Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) founded in 2004 which leads the struggle for gay Kenyans everywhere. Evolution of LGBT Rights and Spaces since 2008 This report was
Kenya: The Gray Area of Gay Refugees
Compiled by Richard Ammon GlobalGayz.com February 2012 Introduction A gay Ugandan couple fled to Uganda, thousands of kilometers from home with little more than the clothes on their backs. They came as brothers to live in a scorching refugee camp in northern Kenya. Surrounded by thousands of others who have fled wars and drought in
Life is Hard in the Kenyan Slums
Kenya’s slums are an insult to modern civilization. They are dirty, unsanitary, crowded with unemployed people and under educated children. A walk through this Methare slum on the outskirts of Nairobi reveals the inequality and corruption of the government.
Out in Kenya 2009
Out in Kenya: Encountering Friends Like Us By Jesus Ramirez-Valles From Gay and Lesbian Review http://www.glreview.com/ May-June 2009 “Are you married?” That was the first question coming from one of the men seated next to me. I immediately assumed he was curious about same-sex marriage in the United States. I replied that I was
Gay Kenya 2004
Kenya’s Gay Underground "Homosexuality is prohibited under our country’s laws and is morally unacceptable in our society," immigration spokesman Frank Kwinga explained. "We shall not allow these people to come and teach our people bad manners." This is what LGBT Kenyans face as they search for real love in a hostile culture. Also see:
Gay Life in Kenya
Despite the political chaos and violence of early 2008, Kenya’s LGBT community continues to grow and organize around rights, health and compassion. The day I arrived in Nairobi the results of the presidential 2007 election had just been announced, which many believed to be fraudulent. The razor thin margin of victory was prematurely
