Senate probes claims of entities promoting gayism in Kakuma camp

Parliament has opened probe into alleged claims that certain entities are promoting homosexuality in Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana.

Senate’s Labour and Social Welfare Committee is investigating the claims in one of the largest refugee camps in the continent.

The probe follows revelations of an extensive support and promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer agenda in Kakuma.

Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola, in statement that was sought on her behalf by Taita Taveta Senator Johannes Mwaruma, revealed the activity in the Senate last week.

“I rise to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, regarding the promotion of LGBTQ agenda within Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County,” Mwaruma said.

Mwaruma, in his statement which was approved by Speaker Amason Kingi, demanded thorough probe into the incident to unearth the promoters of homosexuality in Kakuma.

“The committee should explain the reasons for the extensive support and promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer agenda within Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana county,” he said.

In the probe, the panel chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor will unearth the primary promoters of the agenda within the camp.

The committee will also outline measures put in place to curb the escalation of the LGBTQ agenda in the camp and its environs.

Reacting to the statement, Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya said homosexuality is an immoral activity outlawed by Kenyan laws.

The lawmakers persuaded the panel to get to the bottom of the claims to rid the place of promoters of homosexuality.

“As a country, we must make ourselves clear that this is an element of serious immorality, which we are not supposed to allow,” he said.

He added, “I would request the concerned committee in this House to make sure they visit to get the facts about this illegality. As a House, we need to make sure that we put everything in order.”

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah asked the committee to prioritise the matter, terming it an issue of a great concern.

“Statement about homosexuality in our refugee camps being promoted is equally important. It should be given the priority of place,” he said.

The debate about LGBTQ rights in the country has been emotive with opinions divided on its legality.

Last month, the Supreme Court upheld the rights of the National Gay and Lesbians Human Rights to register, triggering a debate.

This after NGO coordinating board refused to register the group claiming it promotes same sex behaviour.

But in February, the Supreme Court said the board was wrong to stop NGLHRC’s registration.

Judges Philomena Mwilu, Smokin Wanjala and Njoki Ndungú said it would be unconstitutional to limit the right to associate, through denial of registration of an association purely on the basis of sexual orientation.