Kikuyu Council of Elders Criticizes Court Ruling on LGBT Rights in Kenya

The recent court ruling on LGBT rights in Kenya has been met with mixed reactions from various groups, including the Kikuyu Council of Elders, led by National Chairman Wachira Kiago.

The council has expressed its opposition to the ruling, stating that it goes against their culture and traditional values as a community.

The judges ruled three-to-two that the NGO board was wrong to prevent the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) from registering in 2013. This ruling has been hailed as a victory for the LGBT community, who have faced harassment and discrimination in Kenya.

However, despite the ruling, members of the LGBTQI+ community in Kenya continue to face challenges. They have been subjected to body examinations to “prove” gay sex, harassed by police, and insulted on social media and in public spaces. Many say they have been denied healthcare and thrown out of rental houses for being gay.

In a press conference, Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira  Kiago stated that the council was “totally against this ruling,” as it went against the culture of their community. He went on to say that the council demanded respect for their traditions and values.

The council appealed to all parents to advise their children not to accept what they referred to as “evil behaviors,” and expressed concern that allowing such behavior could lead to the destruction of African generations.

According to Kiago, the acceptance of LGBT rights was a foreign way of life that was not in line with African culture and traditions.

The ruling on LGBT rights in Kenya has been a contentious issue, with advocates fighting for the recognition of the rights of sexual minorities. While homosexuality is not illegal in Kenya, same-sex relations are criminalized, and the LGBT community continues to face discrimination and stigma.

The Kikuyu Council of Elders is a traditional governance structure that represents the Kikuyu people, who are one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. The council is responsible for upholding the cultural and traditional values of the Kikuyu community.

The Kikuyu Council of Elders has appealed to all parents to advise their children not to accept what they refer to as “evil behaviors,” expressing concern that allowing such behavior could lead to the destruction of African generations.

They stated that the acceptance of LGBT rights was a foreign way of life that was not in line with African culture and traditions.