Kenya law that currently prohibits homosexuality maybe changed after High Court on Friday 23rd February started hearing a case that may legalized homosexuality in Kenya.
According to CNN, the case filed by Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission attracted many people forcing the judges to change to a spacious room to accommodate the large crowd that attended.
Speaking to CNN, Eric Gitari, the founder of Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, said that the hearing indicates the maturity of Kenyan democracy and that the whole world is watching.
“The fact that we are being heard is an indicator that our democracy has come of age,” said Gitari adding that, “the judges know the entire world is watching.”
Gitari also added that that the judgment is going to sensitize other African countries and encourage activists in the countries.
“We are hopeful the judgment is going to give guidance to countries across Africa. It’s going to encourage activists in so many African countries, it’s going to create a ripple effect.”
According to Amnesty International, homosexuality is illegal in almost every country in East Africa and a total of 38 countries in Africa. The Kenyan law labels the act as a felony that is punishable by 14 years in prison.2