President William Ruto.
By IP Reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya (July 31, 2025) .
President William Ruto is facing mounting criticism from a Catholic activist who accuses him of betraying his Christian faith by supporting a pro-LGBTQ resolution at the United Nations earlier this month.
Ann Kioko, Campaigns Director at CitizenGo Africa, has launched a petition urging Ruto to revoke Kenya’s July 5 vote backing the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).
The vote saw Kenya join 28 other countries in support, while 15 opposed and 3 abstained.
The petition, which has drawn over 12,500 signatures, argues that Kenya’s support of the SOGI mandate promotes foreign ideologies that undermine the country’s legal, cultural, and religious values.
It also warns of consequences such as the legitimization of same-sex marriage campaigns, gender identity policies in schools, and the silencing of traditional religious beliefs.
“President Ruto cannot stand in church proclaiming his faith in Christ while his government aligns itself with global efforts that contradict everything Christianity teaches about family, morality, and human identity,” Kioko said.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Kenya, and same-sex unions are constitutionally banned.
Public opinion across the country remains staunchly opposed to LGBTQ rights, further fueling criticism of the government’s decision.
Ruto, who has frequently framed himself as a devout Christian leader, has not issued a public statement on the matter.
His silence has only deepened concerns among conservative and religious groups, who see the vote as a betrayal of trust.
“This is not just about foreign policy—it’s about the soul of the nation,” Kioko added. “You cannot serve both the altar and the world.”
As pressure builds, the president finds himself in a delicate balancing act between international diplomacy and domestic doctrine.
Ends.
