An anti-gay group is launching a campaign in response to what it sees as Western interference.
‘Zuia Sodom Kabisa’, which means ‘Prevent Sodomy Completely’ in Swahili, has been set up by a lobby group calling itself the Save Our Men Initiative (SOMI) to deliver a million-signature petition against homosexuality to Kenya’s parliament at a ‘consensus march’ on April 5.
A statement from the group said: “Homosexuality in Kenya is a serious threat to life, community and our youth in high school, their recruitment hotbed. It must be stopped.
“This is about a few moral deviants forcing their values and unnatural behaviour on the quiet majority with the aid of Western governments, who could otherwise be spending their resources in stemming the crisis in Syria and elsewhere.”
SOMI claims sexual minorities are gaining confidence thanks to the backing of Western governments.
“The support the homosexual community is getting from Western governments like Netherlands and Germany has given homosexuals boldness that borders on intimidation for the few voices of reason that are standing against their onslaught,” the initiative said, adding: “The vocal and incessant support the homosexuals are getting from President Barack Obama of USA is worrying.”
The one million signature petition aims to prevent Kenya’s constitution being interpreted “in favour of the homosexual community”, the statement said.
Pro-gay rights groups have said that Kenya’s penal code – introduced by British colonialists in 1930 – is unconstitutional as it clashes with the 2010 Bill of Rights which promotes inclusiveness, equality, freedom, non-discrimination, human dignity, equity and protection of the marginalised.
The penal code says any person “who has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature” is guilty of a felony and can be jailed for 14 years. A male who “commits any act of gross indecency with another male person” can be jailed for up to five years. While no-one has ever been prosecuted under this law, it makes it easy for police and neighbours victimise gays and lesbians.
