Duncan Woodside, Sky News Online
Kenya’s gay community is living in fear, after the authorities ordered a poll to uncover the number of homosexuals, and their identities.
Officials insist it is part of a health survey, but gay rights campaigners suspect the results will be seized upon by unscrupulous politicians to order a crackdown on homosexuals.
It is thought that few volunteers will come forward – most gay people keep their relationships secret for fear of discrimination at work, disgracing their families or being sent to jail.
“They are obviously going to get information that is underestimated – grossly underestimated,” says David Kuria, Manager of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya.
“Our greatest concern really lies with the law, and the fact that it will be used to point out that these are just a few misguided elements, that perhaps need a bit of guidance; police guidance.”
****There are no other parties within government that are going to access this information.
Dr Nicholas Muraguri, Head of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme *****
Homosexual activity is punishable by up to 14 years in prison in Kenya, and a government-appointed committee has already ruled out changing the law.
Government health officials insist the survey aims only to gather data to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS – and that the identities of respondents will be kept confidential.
“We are going to treat this information for only public health use,” says Dr Nicholas Muraguri, Head of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme.
“There are no other parties within government that are going to access this information.”
Homophobia is rife in Kenya and the wider East Africa region.
Neighbouring Uganda’sparliament is currently considering a bill that would toughen already strict laws on homosexuality.
Draft legislation proposes a three-year prison term for anyone failing to reveal the names of gay people they know, and for heterosexual people who support gay rights.
SKY NEWS
Comments