The British High Commission in Kenya stirred controversy after sharing a video of its staff members hoisting the LGBTQ+ flag rainbow outside the Embassy, advocating for equality and justice for all.
The Embassy made the move to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT is an annual event celebrated on May 17 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
The date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization in 1990.
In a social media post on their X account, the UK Embassy declared, “No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all. Today we’re proudly flying the rainbow flag.”
“No one should be persecuted for who they are,” further read the post.
The post elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some lauding it as a step towards inclusivity and human rights while others vehemently opposed it citing cultural and societal differences.
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Public Reaction to the Embassy’s action
Kenyans expressed varied views in response to the British High Commission’s display of the rainbow flag, with some highlighting the need to respect cultural norms and majority opinions, while others questioned the prioritization of LGBTQ+ rights over pressing social issues like poverty.
Isaac W. Kinyua commented, “When democracy was introduced, it was the rule of the majority & to include the opinion of the minority. It’s best for the embassy to respect the wishes of the Kenyan majority on this issue. Yes, no one should be persecuted for who they are but respect the wishes of the majority.”
Patrick Gerry expressed his disagreement, stating, “With this, we don’t agree, and we can never be part of this nonsense.”
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Ngengi Magana remarked, “This is not an issue of human rights, this is an issue of society, of our own base as a culture as a people regardless of which society you come from. This is not acceptable; this is not agreeable.”
Eme Munyiva Oduor questioned the High Commission’s priorities, saying, “With all the various people especially Kenyan children, oppressed by many ills, particularly oppressive poverty, is this really your point of priority? SMH.”
In September 2023, the Supreme Court of Kenya made a landmark ruling that granted the LGBTQ community the freedom to associate, allowing members recognition by the Non-Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Board.
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