"A lot is going against [the queer community] with the existence of the criminal laws and prevailing homophobic attitudes, but some of us still trust that we can find justice, so this case encourages us. Kenya is one of 31 countries in Africa that still criminalises homosexuality. Gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and many members of the queer community are shunned by society."
"In recent years hostility towards queer people has increased because of a worsening legal landscape for gay rights in the region, a cut in funding for organisations advocating for gay rights and a global anti-rights backlash. There has been a rise in incidents of blackmail and extortion, often accompanied by violence, according to human rights groups in Kenya."
"Ishtar, a community-based organisation that advocates for the rights of men who have sex with men, recorded 226 cases of blackmail and extortion in 2025. In the first two months of 2026 there were 61. The family protection bill 2023, which seeks to increase already harsh punishments for same-sex relations as well as impose new restrictions on LGBTQ+ inclusive education and limit freedom of expression."
Kenya sentenced two individuals to 15 years in prison for robbing two gay men, representing a significant breakthrough for LGBTQ+ rights advocates in a country where homosexuality remains criminalized. Kenya is one of 31 African nations that criminalizes same-sex relations, with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment. The queer community faces severe societal stigma, forcing many to hide their sexual orientation. Recent years have witnessed escalating hostility driven by worsening legal conditions, reduced funding for advocacy organizations, and global anti-rights movements. Violence-related blackmail and extortion cases have surged dramatically, with 226 recorded incidents in 2025 and 61 in the first two months of 2026. The proposed Family Protection Bill 2023 threatens to intensify punishments for same-sex relations and restrict LGBTQ+ inclusive education, creating widespread fear and uncertainty.
#lgbtq-rights #kenya-criminalization #violence-against-queer-community #justice-system #human-rights-advocacy
Read at www.theguardian.com
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