National Discourse, Politics, Civil Rights. Where Are The Kenyan Gays?

Flag of Kenya; Sign of Patriotism

‘There comes a time when a nation is more important than an individual’ - Prof. George Saitoti

A friend of mine once quipped, ‘Gay people are hardly interested in politics.’ I am afraid he was right. Whether that comes from a lack of patriotism that was initially evident in the 80’s and early 90’s when the era of Nyayo and Moi was the very air we breathed, recent times have seen a marked waning in patriotism by Kenyans in general.

It is even worse among the gay community in Kenya. Whereas I can understand why gay men will not be interested in football, it begs to ask why they could ignore such a fundamental aspect that is patriotism. Secondly, there is hardly any participation of the gay community in national discourses. Case in point: the civil society has gained major clout in the past years and by pushing a common agenda they have become indispensable in anything touching on national matters, development and politics. Now, if the Kenyan gay movement claims to be part of the civil society, why has it been left behind? If nothing touched on matters related to sexual minorities, they hardly ever speak.

Individuals cannot be blamed for not wanting to engage in politics or mass action. That is their choice. However, their indecision or lack thereof to do anything or even discuss it among them is taking steps back. This situation has been exacerbated by the I-don’t-really-care-as-long-as-I-am-okay attitude. Lack of any interest has borne two things: the (gay) movement has been ignored and largely avoided by mainstream civil society and proven to others that gay people are selfish – if it is something that does not touch on them, and here I mean anything gay, they will not bother. Even if they have to engage in something they do so only half heartedly.

Let us give due credit here. There are some forces within the current civil society who are progressive, out to make a change, open to new ideas and courageous. They are people not afraid to ask for help from all quarters and in so doing, give those on board some stage time. These are young men and women with a passion that is only Biblical and with good education that gives them that edge when it comes to debate matters. Gay Kenya was recently privileged to be on board during a health marc/demonstration that was organized by some of them. Here was our opportunity – someone out there thought of us a part of the team and was willing to give us an opportunity to showcase what we can bring to the table. By the mere fact they invited us to that march showed how much they believe in us and the credibility of our work. We did not disappoint.

There is also a breed of older political prisoners and activists who are keen on having gay people on board. These are men and women of the late 80’s and early 90’s who fought for multiparty democracy. For that they were tortured and some killed. These are men and women who wrote and pushed for freedom and dared to see a Kenya that was pluralistic. Now, they have become champions of a new democracy. They still fight for equal rights for all Kenyans and now they have realized that there is a group of Kenyan minority who have been constantly discriminated on based on their sexual orientation and they want to help.

Gay people must be seen to be at least concerned about other Kenyans. And that means they have to be in the news marching for health and democratic rights. They must run and be teargased by riot police. They must chain themselves in police stations as did Okiti Omtata. They must be arrested and bundled in police lorries screaming and shouting as did Anne Njogu. They must come out in defense of others even as an individual like Commissioner Mute. They must confront the police on extrajudicial killings. They must sign petitions like the one on the ICC making rounds asking Kenyans to support not voting out of the Rome Statute. They must attend political rallies, funerals of comrades and individuals who have died for a cause.

It is high time for gay individuals to start talking about politics and be aware of the political situation as it is. It is time for them to engage in national discourses, the civil rights processes and activities and be part of a bigger voice. We have to become indispensable. It is time to add our voice to how Kenya is governed and run by the political class. It is time to be patriotic. If the gays cannot do it, who can?