Kenya’s recent vote to renew the mandate of an international LGBTQ+ rights expert at the United Nations Human Rights Council has ignited political backlash at home. The decision, made on Monday, has drawn sharp criticism even from within the ranks of President William Ruto's political allies.
Leading the charge against the government's stance is Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Opondo Kaluma, a vocal supporter of the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration. Known for his long-standing and vocal opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, Kaluma wasted no time in strongly condemning the government’s endorsement of the UN resolution.
Taking to social media, the outspoken MP expressed his outrage, directly accusing Western nations of attempting to impose what he termed "homosexuality" on developing countries. He characterized this as a form of cultural invasion, warning of its detrimental effects on African societies and branding Kenya's vote a profound betrayal of national values.
“Homosexuality/LGBTQ perversion imposed upon developing nations by the West is destroying our societies. We cannot support it in whatever form. It is repugnant to our culture, is detrimental to health, is contrary to our faiths, and is outright unacceptable,” he said.
He further argued that even Western nations that once championed LGBTQ rights are now backtracking, citing new laws in parts of the US and Europe that restrict or regulate aspects of LGBTQ advocacy. Kaluma framed this as evidence that homosexuality is increasingly seen as dangerous, even by its former proponents.
Calling on the Kenyan government to reverse its position, Kaluma emphasized that the country’s cultural and religious values should never be compromised. “Our cultural values are priceless and can't be traded for anything under the sun,” he stated.
He also warned that Parliament would not approve any future international agreements that appear to normalise or promote homosexuality in Kenya. “Parliament won’t ratify any agreement permitting homosexuality in Kenya as I sit there,” Kaluma warned.
Kenya was among 29 countries that voted in favour of extending the mandate of South African human rights scholar Graeme Reid, who documents abuses against LGBTQ+ people and advises governments on protection mechanisms. 15 countries opposed the motion, while three abstained.
Supporters included Chile, Germany, Kenya, and South Africa, while several African nations and Qatar opposed it.
The US, which has disengaged from the council under President Donald Trump, citing an alleged antisemitic bias, was previously a supporter of the mandate under the Biden administration.
Since taking office in January, Trump has signed executive orders to curb transgender rights and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the government and private sector.
Meanwhile, in March this year, a study found that Kenya could lose up to Ksh1 trillion if a bill proposed by Kaluma to tighten the laws against homosexuality passes.
