By RFIPalled on 22-02-2019Modified on 22-02-2019 at 14:20
Will homosexuality remain a crime in Kenya? We will have to wait again to have a judicial answer. The Nairobi High Court had to rule on the decriminalization of same-sex relations, now punished by 14 years in the country, but postponed its verdict to 24 May.
" You may not like the news I have, " Judge Chacha Mwika said as he arrived in the packed courtroom. The magistrate postponed the date of the verdict by three months.
Homosexual and long-time LGBT activist, Yvonne Oduor did not hide her annoyance: " It's disappointing and frustrating. Especially for the people whose lives depend on this verdict. A delay in justice is like a denial of justice. But we can not do much. We can only wait. At least we still have a chance to fight. And in my heart, I know we will win. "
The judge cited the absence of another magistrate and a heavy workload, explaining that they were attached to other courts and had many other cases to deal with. Phelix Kasanda, aka Mama G, did not believe these arguments: " These are just excuses. Scapegoats are used. They do not tell the truth. Maybe they are trying to prepare Kenyans psychologically, or maybe they still need to consult around them. We can not know. But we keep hope. Three months to wait, it's not too long. "
According to the government, 534 people accused of homosexuality were charged between 2013 and 2017. The militant organizations have provided protection measures in case the law is maintained.
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