Russia Declares Its Stand on the Ongoing LGBTQ Debate in Kenya

The Russian government has weighed in on the ongoing gay rights debate in Kenya, which was triggered by a Supreme Court ruling last month.

In the ruling dated February 24th, the apex court granted the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community the right to form and register a lobby group even though homosexuality is a criminal offense under Kenyan law. 

Through Twitter on Friday, the Russian Embassy in Kenya blamed Western nations for pushing the LGBTQ agenda and urged leaders to take responsibility for protecting traditional values.

“That is only the beginning, the West will come for more. Traditional values shall be protected, otherwise humanity is doomed. Not parent 1 and parent 2, but family! Not rules, but law!” the embassy wrote.

Russia was reacting to remarks by President Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who declared that homosexuality has no place in Kenya.

On Thursday, Ruto stated that his administration will not condone same-sex relationships as such practices do not conform to the country’s traditions and beliefs.

“We respect our courts but our traditions and beliefs do not allow same-sex relationships. That will not happen in Kenya, it may happen elsewhere but not in this country,” Ruto stated.

“I will not allow men to compete with women for other men,” he added.

On his part, Gachagua termed homosexuality as satanic beliefs that “contradict what we believe.”

“President Ruto is God-fearing, he’s a man of faith, he will do what needs to be done. In any case we have our traditions and customs and what they are suggesting is repugnant to morality and our way of life,” he said.