Foreign countries including Russia have backed Kenya’s stance against the ardent push by western countries to entrench the controversial rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community advocating for same sex marriages.
Russian president Vladamir Putin through the Russian Embassy in Kenya has welcomed president William Ruto’s declaration that same-sex relationships will not be allowed in Kenya.
In an apparent criticism of the United States and the West’s positions on gay rights issues, the Russian Embassy in Kenya has said president Ruto was right to reiterate that homosexuality goes against the country’s traditional and religious beliefs.
“We respect our courts but our traditions and beliefs do not allow a woman to marry a woman or man to marry a man (same sex marriages). It might happen elsewhere but not in Kenya.” Ruto said.
The debate was sparked off by the Supreme Court ruling allowing registration for the LGBTQ association which has been heavily criticised by the various religious faith including the church.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court said that the decision to deny LGBTQ members their right to register as an NGO, despite homosexuality being illegal in the nation was discriminatory.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who labeled same-sex marriages “demonic” acts had also argued the Supreme Court’s decision allowing was made in bad faith.
“We have our traditions and customs and what they are suggesting is repugnant to morality and justice and our way of life,” Gachagua said.
Through aTwitter post, the Russian embassy in Kenya expressed support to these sentiments by the Kenyan leaders.
“That is only the beginning, the West will come for more. Traditional values shall be protected; otherwise humanity is doomed.” The post read in part.
His Excellency Dmitry Maksimychev is the Russian ambassador to Kenya.
The embassy reiterated Moscow’s opposition of gayism amid declaration by President Vladimir Putin that as long as he is President “we will have ”dad” and ”mum”. Putin accused the West of pushing same sex relationships.
“The West is perverting the family, the national identity. They are making pedophilia the norm in their lives, and priests encourage same-sex marriage. Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.” said Putin.
Yesterday, US ambassador to Kenya Her Excellency Margaret Cushing Whitman broke her silence saying the United States of America is neither pushing for LGBTQ agenda in Kenya nor is the aide extended to Kenya tied to the issue.
“We respect every country’s point of view on what position they want to take on this (LGBTQ debate) but of course our democratic values and the way we feel is different and that’s okay, because countries are different. There is absolutely no linkage at all between the food and drug relief (from the US Government) and Kenya’s stance on LGBTQ.” Whitman said.
Whitman denied claims that the US was allegedly eager to promote homosexual activities in other countries terming the assertions as untrue days after US First Lady Her Excellency Jill Biden visited the country.
to Kenya Margaret Cushing Whitman (Left), President William Ruto and US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer.
“We have a very strong working relationship over many years and I think the Kenya government knows the U.S perspective, but we also respect Kenya on this particular (LGBTQ) issue.” She added.
Meanwhile, Burundi has intensified crackdown against homosexual practices in the country with at least 24 people being arrested.
On Wednesday this week, Burundian president Evariste Ndayishimiye reiterated for sustained efforts to root out homosexuality from the country.
“I ask all Burundians to curse those who indulge in homosexuality because God cannot bear it…. They must be banished, treated as pariahs in our country.” The president said.
Burundi has criminalised homosexuality since 2009 with a prison sentence of up to two years for consensual same-sex acts.
