US ambassador Meg Whitman on Friday, March 3, maintained that the US would respect the Kenyan Government's stand on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community.
Speaking during an event in Kajiado County, the diplomat reiterated that the US viewed LGBTQ rights as human rights noting that the Kenyan Government had taken a different stand.
Whitman explained that the US would not impose its view on Kenya adding that every country has a right to choose its stand on the controversial topic.
"As the United States, we probably have a different position in that we view LGBTQ rights as human rights. We respect every country's point of view and what position they will take on that and we will respect that.
"Our democratic view is different and that is okay. We have had a very strong relationship for many years and I think the Kenyan Government knows the US perspective but we also respect Kenya in that particular issue," Whitman underscored.
On the other hand, she maintained that the US would continue with its strong working relationship with Kenya despite the divergent opinion.
To this effect, she dispelled any reports that the aid by the American Government would be influenced by the pronouncements made by government officials including President William Ruto.
"I want to underscore that there is absolutely no linkage at all between food and drug relief and Kenya's stance on LGBTQ," she stated.
The diplomat addressed the matter a day after Ruto pronounced himself on the LGBTQ debate.
In his address during the launch of the Women Fund on March 2, Ruto reiterated that Kenya had cultural and religious values that did not allow same-sex relationships.
“We respect our courts but our traditions and beliefs do not allow same-sex relationships. That will not happen in Kenya, it may happen elsewhere but not in this country," Ruto stated.
The LGBTQ debate has been dominant in the public in recent days owing to the Supreme Court ruling on the registration of a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO).
In its ruling by a majority of three judges, the Court determined that the community had the freedom of association as enshrined in Article 36 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
"It would be unconstitutional to limit the right to associate through denial of registration of an association purely based on the sexual orientation of the applicants," the ruling read in part.
