The Kenya Human Rights Commission has written to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission seeking urgent investigations into the alleged anti-LGBTQ campaign in Mombasa.
In the letter to NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia, KHRC's Davis Malombe claimed the hate campaign is being driven by an amorphous group dubbed "Anti-LGBTQ Movement" that's raising funds to 'kick out' members of the LGBTQ community.
"We believe 'kicking out' is a code phrase implying harm, or worst-case scenario, even the murder of their targets," Malombe said.
He claimed the group staged anti-LGBTQ protests in Mombasa on August 15, something he said could trigger hatred and prejudice and endanger the safety of people with diverse gender and sexual orientations.
"Furthermore, the movement has hinted at allaying allying with the extremist group al Shabaab threatening to plunge our nation into a state of violence and turmoil that we must avoid," Malombe said.
He claimed the group is misusing its fundamental right to freedom of expression to incite violence and hate speech.
The executive director said as things stand, the freedom of association, right to life, human dignity, equality and freedom from discrimination are on trial.
"KHRC urgently demands your immediate attention and decisive action to end this sinister plot and the vile agenda that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of our nation. Get this right: The movement's messaging is not a freedom of speech but a call for violence," Malombe told Kobia.
"We demand that NCIC launches a quick, thorough, and unrelenting investigation to identify the instigators of this hateful campaign. We look forward to an immediate response," he said.
"Time is of the essence and Kenya's eyes are on you."
