Obama speaks out in defense of homosexuals facing discrimination in his native Kenya

US President Obama declared that Kenya is at a “crossroads” and its people need to “choose the path forward”, he also defended homosexuals who are discriminated against in Kenya.

AP quoted Mr. Obama on July 26 as affirming that this can only be done if the Kenyan people continue to fight corruption, destroy terrorists and create conditions for women and girls in this country to develop.

Bright future awaits Kenyan youth

President Obama emphasized that during this historic visit back to his fatherland, he witnessed a Kenya that had “changed dramatically.” He also said that this country could go further.

President Obama expressed confidence in a bright future for Kenya. Photo AP

“You can choose your path to continue to develop, but this requires you to make important choices,” Mr. Obama declared before thousands of people watching his speech.

Also in this speech, the US President reviewed Kenya's revolutionary history, from an isolated colony to an independent country and actively integrating into the world since gaining independence from the British more than 50 years ago in December 1963.

“As for Kenyans, especially the youth, I believe there is no limit that you cannot overcome. This is because Kenya is moving forward and you all have the potential to build a brighter future right here.”

There are still too many challenges.

However, Mr. Obama also warned that there are still many challenges ahead. The US President called on the Kenyan people, especially the next generation of leaders, to continue the fight against corruption. He said that corruption does not only occur in Kenya, but the situation here has become serious and "metastasized like cancer" negatively affecting all areas of the Kenyan economy and society.

In addition, Mr. Obama also called for an end to the ethnic division that has "torn the country apart" and called on Kenya's leaders, especially President Uhuru Kenyatta, to "take a tougher line" against al-Shaabab rebels, a group that has killed hundreds of Kenyans in terrorist attacks over the past two years.

The US President also called on the people of Kenya to immediately end all acts of violence, sexual assault against women and forced marriage of girls, as well as a series of other bad practices that they have to endure.

“These practices have been going on for hundreds of years and have no place in the 21st century,” Mr. Obama stressed.

Criticized for publicly supporting homosexuals

Also in his statement, Mr. Obama spoke out to protect gay people in Kenya.

“As an African American, I am saddened to learn that in Kenya, gay people are treated differently. When you discriminate against someone not because they are harmful to anyone but because they are different, that is when freedom is being eroded,” Mr. Obama declared while standing next to his host counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, affirming that this is the message he wants to send to all of Africa.

However, his message was not well received by Kenyan Vice President William Ruto, who was also present when President Obama spoke. Previously, in May, Mr. Ruto declared that there was “no place” for homosexuals in Kenya because homosexual relations are considered illegal here.

Kenyan President Kenyatta also affirmed that, despite many similar values, the US and Kenya have many differences and that opposition to homosexuality is still considered a “non-negotiable issue” for Kenyans.

Kenyan President Kenyatta criticized Obama's pro-gay stance. Photo AFP

“There are things we cannot share with the Americans because our culture and society do not accept them,” Mr. Kenyatta declared to the applause of the Kenyan people.

As in Kenya, anti-gay laws remain widespread in the African country where traditional beliefs still consider homosexuality “immoral”.

A group of Kenyans took to the streets to protest against homosexuality. Photo: Reuters

“Obama is trying to create a connection with Africans but he is clearly insulting the values ​​of the people here,” said Kidaha Vincent.

According to VOV