Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto has declared the country’s national prayer against homosexuality, saying the practice poses a threat to the institution of family.
“We want to strengthen the family institution where we have a father, a mother and children. LGBTQ is forbidden even in the Bible and the African culture. Let us hold on to family values,” she said on Sunday during a church service in Meru county.
Earlier, the first lady had already set up an office for faith diplomacy, which she said would spread a culture of prayer across the country.
She said the Office of Faith Diplomacy will carry prayers to the rest of the country and that a program has been put in place to “ensure family values are protected.”
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Local media quoted the First Lady in a report: “I want us to pray for family matters. The family has become an institution that is severely attacked…”
She urged Kenyans to focus more on family issues as the LGBT debate threatens the family structure.
The debate about the rights and acceptance of homosexuals has been going on in the country for some time, with supporters and opponents expressing themselves on the subject.
Last week, Kenyan Vice President Regathi Gachagwa made a statement that sparked controversy among the LGBT community and its allies.
The vice president stated that LGBTQ practice was not tolerated in the country and drew criticism from those working for LGBTQ rights and acceptance.
The statement reignited debate about the country’s treatment of LGBT people and whether their rights are being violated.
