Obama’s Kenyan elders will pelt him with eggs over gay rights
The Kikuyu Council of Elders has threatened to throw rotten eggs at President Barack Obama if he expresses support for LGBT rights during his visit to Kenya.
Obama’s father was born in Kenya. While he was from the Luo group, the Kikuyu people represent the largest ethnic population in the country.
“I will mobilise and lead every member of the council, including women and the youth, and Kenyans in general to throw rotten eggs at Obama if he dares introduce the gay and lesbian debate,” said Senior Council Member Samuel Thuita on Monday.
According to Kenya’s The Star newspaper, Thuita stated that “gayism” and lesbianism is not only blasphemous, but unacceptable according to African customs and norms.
The American leader’s trip to Kenya later this month is generating controversy among politicians and religious leaders who are concerned that he will use the opportunity to speak out for LGBT equality or same-sex marriage.
Local LGBT activists also fear that his words could inflame homophobic sentiment in the country if not carefully chosen.
On Tuesday a small “pro-family” demonstration was held against marriage equality in the capital, Nairobi.
Obama has previously briefly spoken out in support of LGBT rights in Africa during 2013 visits to Senegal and South Africa.
Gay sex is illegal in Kenya, with penalties of between five to 14 years’ imprisonment.
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