Kenya's vote for LGBTQ rights protection at UN sparks controversy

Kenya’s vote in favor of renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), has triggered sharp debate at home.

In a session on Monday, July 7 the United States abstained, Kenya aligned with countries like South Africa and Chile to support the three-year extension of the expert’s role.

The mandate allows continued documentation of human rights violations against LGBTQ+ persons globally a key tool in international accountability.

The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK+) welcomed the move, posting on X: “The Independent Expert will continue documenting violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people around the world.”

President Ruto's led administration of Kenya just voted yes while President Trump's US administration abstained in the LGBTQ rights UN votes for the next 3 years.

And the church of God with the man of God say amen.
Amen — Chifu Tamurai (@Chifu_tamurai) July 8, 2025

However, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, a vocal opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, condemned the vote, terming it a betrayal of national values.

“We cannot support it in whatever form. It is repugnant to our culture, is detrimental to health, is contrary to our faiths and is outright unacceptable! The West who brought it upon humankind, have noted its dangers and are running from it: from the USA to Europe, laws have been passed against various aspects of homosexuality.” Kaluma stated on X.

On social media, Kenyans clashed over whether the vote reflected a progressive stance or a diplomatic misstep.

Social media user @beauty_boy_ke supported the vote by stating: “Gay rights are human rights. Kenya has a LGBTQ population. It's not Ruto who voted it is Kenya who voted. We are a progressive society. Let the LGBTQ be. We fight Brutality here at home.”

Human rights are human rights, wether gay or not..all rights are important..no double standards — Tee (@TeeTee201488) July 9, 2025

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) praised countries that voted in favor, calling it a reaffirmation of global human rights standards.

“Thanks to this vote, the Human Rights Council reaffirmed its commitment to combating discrimination and violence against everyone, reminding all States of their obligations towards people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.” ILGA stated.

As a United Nations member state and supporter of the Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 10 on reduced inequalities, the move aligns with Kenya’s foreign policy pillar on gender equality and respect for human rights.