Kenya Kwanza, Azimio MPs unite to reject Supreme Court’s decision on LGBTQ

Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Members of Parliament on Wednesday, March 1 displayed a rare show of unity to reject the Supreme Court's decision that allowed members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community to form and register organisations.

The caucus groups including Catholic MPs Spiritual Initiative (CAMPSI), Bunge Fellowship Group, and those of the Muslim faith termed the act as ungodly, immoral, and against the African culture.

“We have many pressing challenges affecting the country currently like drought, hunger, poor infrastructure, and somebody choosing to fund LGBTQ,” CMPSI chairman Innocent Obiri said.

He added: “The support for the LGBTQ is now linked to foreign aids, you are denied funding if you oppose LGBTQ.”

CAMPSI Secretary General who is also the Tongaren MP John Chikati warned the NGO Board against registering any association linked to LGBTQ saying such a move will cause its disbandment.

“The National Council of NGOs should be very careful and should do a thorough investigation on all organizations seeking to be registered.

"If the NGO Council becomes a conduit in registration of such illegal activities in the country, then Parliament will have no alternative than to move a bill for its disbandment," he said.

Jill Biden's visit linked to LGBTQ campaign

Homa Bay MP Opondo Kaluma, who is sponsoring anti-LGBTQ bill in Parliament, said it was not a coincidence that the shocking supreme court verdict was issued on a day US First Lady Jill Biden was visiting the country.

He noted that the donation is bait to have Kenya support homosexuality, something that they will not allow.

On Tuesday, Kenya received Ksh16 billion from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for food assistance.

“We cannot permit immorality expressly prohibited by our laws. It is interesting that the Supreme Court determination was issued when the US First Lady was coming. It is not coincidental that they are giving us Ksh16 billion,” Kaluma said.

Kaluma, who revealed that he has so far held meetings with various religious groups, said that they will be going back to the Supreme Court for a review as the ruling was only backed by three judges.

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, justices Smokin Wanjala and Njoki Ndung’u ruled in favour of the LGBTQ while justices William Ouko and Mohammed Ibrahim gave dissenting opinions.

“We are going back to court and the Supreme Court should review its decision. If it doesn’t, we will go back to the people who have the ultimate power to disband the Supreme Court.

"If we don’t succeed in the SCORK we will initiate a Bill to deregister any organization promoting LGBTQI," Kaluma stated.