Gachagua’s Wife Speaks on Legalising LGBTQ

Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi made a significant declaration on Sunday regarding Kenya’s stance on LGBTQ+ relations.

In a statement provided to Kenyans.co.ke, the second lady resolutely reaffirmed that Kenya would not endorse same-sex relationships, both presently and in the foreseeable future.

Addressing a group of first-year students at Maasai Mara University in Narok County during an orientation forum, Pastor Dorcas invoked African traditions and cultural beliefs as the basis for her stance against same-sex unions. She emphasized that these traditions steadfastly prohibit such relationships, aligning with her conviction that Kenya should maintain this historical position.

This resolute statement from Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi underscores the prevailing sentiment within Kenya, reflecting a commitment to cultural and traditional values that have long been integral to the nation’s identity.

”In this country, it is not lawful for a man to marry a man. It is not lawful for a woman to marry a woman. It is illegal, “she said.

The second lady emphasised that even the Kenyan constitution does not allow same sex marriage as that has been the country’s stand.

”When a man marries a man, what do they produce? and when a woman marries a woman, what do they produce? I think we must go by the divine order, when the divine order is obeyed, is only that a community and a society can thrive,” she added.

She further observed that no religion in the world allows same-sex marriages; which she cited as one of the main reasons Kenya will not allow same sex relations.

“Africa is not ready for that, we have our culture, we have our own religion. I think it is time we come out and speak,” she added.

Pastor Dorcas’ remarks come weeks after the Supreme Court threw out Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma’s petition that sought to bar LGBTQ societies and organizations from being recognised in Kenya.

“The Court found and decreed that the use of the word “sex” under Article 27(4) of the Constitution ‘refers also to sexual orientation of any gender.”

”Whether heterosexual, lesbian, gay, intersex or otherwise’; and that the word “including” under Article 27 (4) also comprises “freedom from discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation,” read the court judgment in parts.

Debates on discrimination of same-sex relationships and marriage have been met with strong opposition, especially from Kenyan politicians.

The latest politician to stage opposition to same sex marriages is Nyali MP Mohamed Ali who led anti-LGBTQ protests in Nairobi on October 6.