In a momentous judgement by the Supreme court of India on Thursday 6th September 2018, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was effectively repealed. The now repealed section which held “Whoever voluntarily, has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or…

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) joins Kenyans and people all over the world in marking the annual International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).This day was set in 2004 with the aim of drawing attention to the discrimination, violence and other human rights violations experienced by sexual and gender minorities all…

As MAAYGO, we are compelled to express concern about a disparaging, regressive and alarmist story in the Sunday Standard newspaper (15 April 2018) headline “Gays make inroads in Kisumu”. There was distortion of information in relation to healthcare provision, healthcare interventions and human rights advocacy for key populations in Kisumu. MAAYGO like all stakeholders in…

On the 22nd, 23rd February and 1st March 2018, petitions 150 of 2016 consolidated with petition 234 of 2016 challenging the constitutionality of section 162 a), c) and 165 of the Penal Code of Kenya were heard before a 3-judge bench at the Milimani High Court of Kenya. The Petitions filed in 2016, ask the court…

On the 10th of December, the world celebrates the International Human Rights Day. On 10th October 1948, the United Nations Adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, the Human Rights push did not begin in 1948, and it was not the first time that human rights ideals were put to paper. Similarly, the Human…

20 October 2017 Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania On Tuesday, 17 October 2017, a legal consultation convened by Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA) and Community Health Services and Advocacy (CHESA) was raided by the Tanzanian Police. The consultation was convened in order to get more instructions and evidence on a case that we plan to file…

Whereas the Repeat Presidential elections are slated for 26th October 2017, the political uncertainty combined with the credibility and integrity of the electoral process under heightened scrutiny, has increased tension across the country. The Kenyan population and the world at large has witnessed unsolicited and inordinate police force in various regions of the country. This…

On September 27th, 2017, at a political rally, the Governor of Nairobi, Mike Mbuvi (Sonko), referred to the MP of Embakasi East – Babu Owino, as ‘Shoga.’Babu Owino then replied using explicit sexual language that was both unnecessary, and disturbing in its description. We do not endorse in any manner the careless remarks made by…

On the 8th of August 2017, Kenyans shall be going to the ballots. Information from state security organs, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission points to possible violence and unrest during and/or after the election period. Recognizing that the LGBQ community is a group that is often targeted with violence, here is some information that…

Rainbow Women of  Kenya  – RWOK calls on LGBQ identifying Kenyans to exercise their right to vote in the twelfth coming elections, whether they are first time voters or participating for the fourth or fifth time in electing their leaders, this election is in many respects a special election and the choice one makes is…