It is extremely worrying to see that the government is not taking and treating the murder and sexual violations of Sheila Lumumba with the utmost seriousness that it deserves.
Killing anyone because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression is wrong. It's too much hate.
Religiously based hate, violence and abuse are increasing even when we think that we are a progressive and liberal society.
Sheila was sexually violated and murdered and the body found in a pool of blood.
She is not the first queer person we have lost. We have lost quite a number of them from murder, violence, abuse, and suicide amongst other issues.
LGBTQ+ persons in Kenya face high rates of sexual and gender-based violence.
They should be protected just like any other citizen against all forms of violence and discrimination.
They suffer stigma, discrimination, physical and verbal abuse, assault, harassment, eviction from their home, loss of job, suspension or expulsion from school.
Though it is often said that one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression is a non-issue, the violence meted upon the said person is undeniably a big issue as it affects their health and life.
Violence is further perpetrated against LGBTQ+ persons given the existence of laws that criminalise sex between two consenting same-sex adults.
These laws create a misguided perception in society that lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer individuals are criminals.
It is worrying that LGBTQ+ persons in Kenya go through a lot of violence and discrimination just because of who they are.
Being a lesbian or a gay man is a non-issue but being hurt because of who we are is a huge issue.
The LGBTQ+ community do not want special rights, basic human rights are not special rights.
It is saddening to see the increasing numbers of people we continue to lose due to abuse and violence.
During the #Repeal162 Case, the court amongst other issues said there were no enough cases that showed the abuse, violence and discrimination that queer persons continue to face.
It remains horrifying and shocking that being queer in Kenya means walking around with a target.
That your environment is not safe, your place of work, school, hospital, even your own home where you feel free and safe is not.
Every human regardless of gender identity, expression and sexual orientation should be loved, and respected and must be treated with the dignity that they deserve.
We belong here, we are hopeful for a safer Kenya.
Youth activist
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
