The galck+ Secretariat and Kenyan LGBTQ+ community are deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely demise of Edwin Kiprotich Chiloba who was taken from us by the senseless act of murder. Those who knew Chiloba can testify that he was a force to reckon with, who used his platform to fight for equality regardless of identity. 

Countless times LGBTQ+ people in Kenya are subjected to violence, discrimination and sometimes even death because of being different, loving differently and expressing themselves differently. The prejudice we face as a community is unwarranted and unjust. We are all equal under the constitution of Kenya, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, race, gender and social class. 

The appeal to #BreakThe CycleOfViolence looks to understand:

  1. Why does a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity cause such controversy? 
  2. What lies beneath the violence that countless people face every day and how can we put an end to it? 
  3. Can the government and all relevant stakeholders find holistic approaches to curb violence in this country?

To the Kenyan LGBTQ+ community: We see you, we mourn together and we hold you in our hearts during this difficult time. Our stories and voices will never be forgotten or silenced as long as we are here. Now is the time to be armed, not with weapons, but with knowledge, fierceness, love and solidarity. United we stand divided we fall. 

To the Allies: Now is the time to use your voices in all the spaces you occupy. Speak up against the prejudice, discrimination and hate you see happening against your fellow friends and family. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. 

Follow the conversation here.

galck+ Secretariat. 

For more information and interviews, contact: Ivy Werimba, Email: ivy@galck.org

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