A group of LGBTQ rights groups has warned leaders and media from using homophobic rhetoric and reports.
They said it is imperative that our leaders and media exercise restraint in their language and actions.
They said it will only raise intolerance, and violence against sexual and gender minorities
They said the media had sensationalised the killing of LGBTQ+ activist and fashionista Edwin Chiloba.
“Homophobic and hate-based rhetoric by leaders and sensationalisation of Edwin Chiloba’s murder by the media only serves to incite violence against queer Kenyans,” they said.
The groups include the Bold Network, the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, Initiative for Equality and Non-Discrimination, Q-Initiative, Amnesty and Change.org.
There has been a social media stir following the murder of Chiloba and the arrest of his partner Jackton Odhiambo.
“Online cyber-bullying using religion and culture raises the level of intolerance, hatred and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals,” they said.
They called for the government to reconsider repealing sections 162 and 165 of the penal code.
They said the sections indirectly criminalise consensual relations by LGBTQ+ persons, creating an environment for violence to thrive and go unpunished.
“It is time for our society to come together and stand up for the rights and safety of all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” they said.
