Mke-si-mume: Neocolonialism and Sexual Practice in Kenya

Mke-si-mume: Neocolonialism and Sexual Practice in Kenya

The Republic of Kenya, voted one of the top five hottest tourist attractions in the world and labeled as one of the most promising and developing third world countries in Africa. This beautiful country has been a source of major controversy and debate as it takes a step into the 21st century. The topic of discussion that has sparked such great interest ranging from the President of Kenya up until the United Nations is the subject of homosexuality.

At first I will talk about the way the government has essentially denounced all rights and equality of people who practice same-sex relations in Kenya. Then I will move to address when and how same-sex activity first began in Kenya and what it really means to be gay in Kenya. Furthermore I will cover how the issue of homosexuality rainfalls into many other aspects such as the economy, globalization, neo-colonialism, family and the workplace.

Besides all the social issues same-sex offenders must deal with the principal reason most Africans never reveal their sexuality is because of the government. The continent is among the most war-torn, but several African leaders have found one thing on which they agree: homophobia. The fact is that it is illegal to be gay in Kenya. Sections 162 to 165 of the Penal Code criminalize homosexual behavior and attempted homosexual behavior between men, referring to it as "carnal knowledge against the order of nature". The penalty is 5 to 14 years' imprisonment. However lesbian relations are not mentioned in the law (www.ilga.com). Africa is a male-dominated country and therefore doesn’t include female relations in the law; additionally there is a longer and much more dominant presence of ...

... middle of paper ...

...litical group and given a proper change in Kenya, a new political schema. This was the goal of one of the very first gay activists who formed the recently disbanded Forum for Positive Generations on AIDS Prevention. Its intention was to increase social awareness and understanding towards people with AIDS and to emphasize and relieve the plight or marginalized groups such as homosexuals with AIDS. Studies have shown that homosexual behavior within the normal is being ignored, but in light of all the recent events, despite the negative approach, people will begin to take thought of the very real existence of the gay and lesbian community that exists. The fight for equality will continue and there shall come a day when people can identify themselves as who they are openly and being gay or practicing same-sex intercourse will be an acceptable part of society in Kenya.