
09/07/2025
The News
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Kenya’s vote in favor of renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on s*xual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has sparked significant debate within the country.
the Magazine
During a session on Monday, July 7, the United States abstained from the vote, while Kenya joined countries such as South Africa and Chile in supporting a three-year extension of the expert’s role. This mandate enables the ongoing documentation of human rights violations against LGBTQ+ individuals globally, serving as a crucial tool for international accountability.
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The Gay and Le***an Coalition of Kenya (GALCK+) welcomed this move, stating on X: “The Independent Expert will continue documenting the violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people around the world.” It is noteworthy that President Ruto's administration in Kenya voted in favor, while the Trump administration in the U.S. abstained on similar LGBTQ rights votes for the next three years.
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However, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, a vocal opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, condemned the vote, calling it a betrayal of national values. He stated, “We cannot support it in any form. It is repugnant to our culture, detrimental to health, contrary to our faiths, and outright unacceptable! The West, which brought this upon humankind, has recognized its dangers and is retreating from it. From the USA to Europe, laws have been passed against various aspects of homos*xuality.”
Yow
Kenyans have expressed conflicting views on social media regarding whether the vote reflects a progressive stance or a diplomatic misstep. One user, , supported the vote, stating, “Gay rights are human rights. Kenya has an LGBTQ population. It’s not just Ruto who voted; it’s Kenya that voted. We are a progressive society. Let the LGBTQ community be. We need to focus on the brutality we face here at home.” Another user, Tee (), added, “Human rights are human rights, whether one is gay or not. All rights are important; there should be no double standards.”
Galck+
The International Le***an, Gay, Bis*xual, Trans, and Inters*x Association (ILGA) praised the countries that voted in favor, calling it a reaffirmation of global human rights standards. They stated, “Thanks to this vote, the Human Rights Council reaffirmed its commitment to combating discrimination and violence against everyone, reminding all states of their obligations towards people of diverse s*xual orientations and gender identities.”
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As a United Nations member state and a supporter of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequalities, this move aligns with Kenya’s foreign policy pillar on gender equality and respect for human rights.
Team
Art Gala-Aswani