MY SENATE POLITICAL INTEREST - WHAT IS THERE FOR LGBTI KENYANS

Aspiring Senator for Kiambu - David Kuria Mbote

Since announcing interest in running for a political office, I have heard many people seek to understand why take such a seemingly radical action in a region that is extremely homophobic, - and for someone who is outwardly vocal on Gay, Lesbian and Trangender rights. Some of the questions asked include, what benefits or risks will emanate from such interest?

There are some who are apprehensive that such political interest might lead to exposing LGBTI persons especially those in the closet to greater social scrutiny, leading perhaps to further stigmatization and discrimination – maybe culminating a homophobic legislation such as the one in the Ugandan parliament.

It becomes necessary then, to clarify what this candidature is about and why it is important and opportune at this point in time in our history. The issues raised below represent a particular view point that is open to discussion, dialogue and possibly refinement.  Hence even though the candidature is in every respect serious, committed and has strategically started to rollout campaign efforts, should there be compelling reason to withdraw it, due consideration will be given to the overall interest of the LGBTI community in Kenya.

Question then – Why run for the Political office?

In running for a political office which involves a broader constituency such as the Senate position – whose population is about 1.6 million people, one would have to be passionate about a whole range of issues that affect the whole society and genuinely believe that one has both capacity and actionable strategies to address these common issues.

It becomes important then to highlight some of the major challenges that affect this constituency, and are shared by all the people of Kiambu including sexual minorities. These challenges include:

• Increased landlessness both for farming and housing needs
• Unemployment especially among the youth leading to high levels of poverty among the youth and young families
• Poverty is a major issue cutting across the entire Kenyan society and one that needs deep commitment both at policy and program/action level
• Increased insecurity perpetrated by extortion and criminal gangs
• Provision of welfare services leading to improved living standards of the people of Kiambu and Kenyans in general.

So I have to say that am passionate about addressing these issues – and genuinely believe that I have what it takes to address them, not just because of academic preparation, but also because personal life’s experiences of exclusion and discrimination which accentuates the awareness of the pain of such experiences. As a result then I am most prepared to work on these and other challenges affecting the people of Kiambu, and actually believe am one of the best placed persons in the County to address them.

What about the LGBTI Rights

Yet it would be naïve to think that this is the only way people will view this candidature –  which has LGBTI /pink/rainbow colours written all over it. If I said that as a personal level I did not want to advance LGBTI rights interests even within the context of this candidature I would be economical with the truth. Indeed in a very real sense this candidature is itself a process of LGBTI rights activism. But there are other direct benefits that sexual minorities will derive from this candidature. These include:

1. Decriminalization of same-sex sexuality. Even though we have already launched the process of decriminalization, and will with luck hopefully complete it by the time we get into the elections, there are no guarantees. Moreover commitment to decriminalization and enactment of supportive positive law is an ongoing process and one that I shall remain committed to during the entire period of political engagement.

1. Closely related to this is the need to advocate for certain legislative responsibilities to be stationed at the County level or at the central government depending on what is advantageous to the LGBTI. It will be very interesting to have issues related to marriage legislated at county level so that different counties with progressive leaderships can enact supportive legislations or interpret existing laws in a progressive way.

1. National visibility – one of the most effective ways of entrenching abuse of LGBTI rights is denying us visibility. There is perhaps no better antidote than having a high profile individual who represents mainstream population, but still identifies with the LGBTI community. LGBTI visibility at political level is itself a providential strategy for Rights activism.

1. Political clout in advancing matters of interest to the community is an effective strategy for visibility but also brings compliance where there are supportive laws.  Many of the abuses and rights violations suffered by the LGBTI are actually violations of existing laws. People are less likely to violate rights of the LGBTI if they know such abuses will be given high visibility. Additionally those responsible for protecting these rights are less likely to abscond from their duties if they know a spotlight will be shone on them.

1. Role modelling is an important aspect in community building. This candidature does not pretend to be providing a role model opportunity, but it will certainly be a positive step in contributing in bridging this gap in the community.

1. Lastly, the candidature is about providing an opportunity to contribute to positive change in the society. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity we all want to participate in positive change in our societies. This is one opportunity to do so – which also provides revised view of the LGBTI community in the eyes the Kenyan society.

It is my hope that in this brief write-up I have provided an opportunity to discuss on the aspects of this candidature that the community is concerned about. It is also my hope that this discussion will bring to the fore reasons for supporting at grassroots and national levels as well as strategies for funding this candidature to ensure its success.