Meg Whitman, the US Ambassador to Kenya, has denied allegations that the US government is using food and drought relief to influence Kenya’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Whitman stated that the US respects Kenya’s views on LGBTQ+ rights and that there is no link between humanitarian aid and Kenyans’ perspectives on the issue.
“Every country has to make their own decisions about LGBTQ rights. In the United States, we have our own position that we view LGBTQ rights as human rights,” Whitman said.
“The Kenyan government knows the US perspective but we also respect Kenya’s right on this particular issue. There is absolutely no linkage between food and drought relief and Kenyans’ stance on LGBTQ,” she added.
Whitman who was speaking while touring Kajiado County stated that 16 Billion Shillings in humanitarian aid extended to Kenya is not linked to the policies on LGBTQ rights in the country.
She reiterated that Kenya and the US have very strong bilateral relations dating back many years.
President Ruto said LGBTQ practices will not be tolerated in Kenya, as they do not conform to the country’s traditions and beliefs.
The LGBTQ debate in the country was revived after the Supreme Court last week affirmed a decision by lower courts that quashed the decision by the NGO Board to decline an LGBT lobby group’s formal registration.
