...
written by Stephen Wanyama , January 26, 2007

I am making a point of commenting on each and every article here, so I guess I must say something here.

My better instincts tell me that Kenyans are still a very backward and conservative people. Cess Mutungi exaggerates in alleging that 'we all know at least two gay people', I know none, even though I am pretty open-minded myself.

In the end though, I am sure Kenyans, with their eagerness to copy anything pushed by Western media will very eagerly embrace gays. I wonder what Macharia's views are on the 'casual homosexuality' growing in Kenya, and what this forebears for Kenya's gays.

ehhh
written by Amina , January 26, 2007

walahi bilahi what has the world come to!

In the interest of human right
written by Nekessa , January 26, 2007

I am afraid that I do not support violence of any kind... justified or not. One wonders the sense in the violent treatment accorded to the gay community in Kenya. In a plea to be heard, the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, in October 2006, released a statement seeking redress. In discussion with other Kenyans, I notice a reluctance to fairness. As I had mentioned in a previous post, we are quick to condemn gayness as one of the moral decays of our society. In real terms, the gay community have very little impact on the moral indicator of our society.

...
written by James Macharia , January 26, 2007

Wanyama,

Iam not sure I understand what you mean by "casual homesexuality'.

Let us talk
written by John Ongeri , January 26, 2007

The WSF has done great things in highlighting many issues that affect us ordinary Kenyans. I am just as puzzled as Macharia above about why politicians seem to have ignored the WSF. My guess is that our greedy fat cat hypocritical parasites who masquerade as political leaders are afraid of a forum whose message is "Another world is possible"

When it comes to gender issues I am completely in support of Nekessa who calls for a return to fairness and compassion. We are all God's children and we must learn to live in appreciation of our diversity. That said I strongly disagree with bw Wanyama's view that 95% Kenyans are backward-looking unless he has concealed a sly pun in there. At any rate one cannot say that jaduong are conservative and at the same time ready to jump on any new western fad. Let us talk together

...
written by Stephen Wanyama , January 26, 2007

Macharia,
I am talking about people who are not really gay but who would like to indulge purely because it is 'cool' to do so. I am sure you would be just as uncomfortable with this if you were gay.

It is like all those people pretending to be black, or Christian, socialist etc just when it suits them, and who subsequently take away a large part of the authentic struggle of those who are really gay, black, Christian, etc.

Pretending to be gay?
written by Kiddi , January 26, 2007

Wanyama, how? Why would someone in Kenya subject himself/herself to violence abd shun from society in the name of "Acting gay". Hakuna kitu kama hiyo!! Not in Kenya!

...
written by James Macharia , January 26, 2007

@Wanyama,

I would be uncomfortable if people are pretending to same-gender loving because they think its cool.

However, knowing and understanding the african psyche, I dont think one can decide or choose to be gay. It takes years for one to accept to themselves that they are gay- hence the high rate of suicide in gay people.

However, i would put a proviso here that living gay is a lifestyle choice but being gay is not.

BEING A GAY IS AN INNER CONCEP
written by TONY YAP , January 26, 2007

Homosexuality is a way of life and should be treated with adamant care.Olegaita there is nothing abnormal with a choice made out self consciousness and in a sober mind.Gays and Lesbians ought to be respect with al accord and nothing of affirmative orientation ought to be given to them.Homosexuality is not a by the way and deligency ought to prevail to stop bracketing them from the realm of human beings.Equating gays and lesbians to handicuo people is a violation of human rights.I see no difference in the holier thou missionary mode of sexuality.I premise Nekesa that the community curtails no moral responsibility of the community. We ought to be premised to act rational and move away from the so called westen oreintation tenets.We are of an Africa culture and no one told us that we ought to embrace the so called correct mode of sexuality.Iam gay and publicly admit being one. Am leading while bleeding when i see Kenyans respond harshly on this issue.No matter what people think we are a community that enjoys harmony and we are honest with ourselves in admitting that we are and will continue to embrace this wonderful mode of sexuality.

where are we heading to?
written by RUFUS MUTITU , January 26, 2007

we can call it a way of life or call it anything,but is our conscience right and not condeming us.the reason gays and lesbians are hesitant to come public its because they know it is not morally upright.if our parents were homosexuals would we be there today?
scientifically it is wrong culturally it is wrong spiritually it is wrong.to God it is an abomination God destroyed sodom and gomorrah because of it.we allow it we get condemned and face the wrath of God.
God is ever true and reall and makes no mistake in his ways.whoever differs let him do it knowing you can never escape.

...
written by olegaita , January 26, 2007

Tony with all due respect you are confusing me when you admit to be gay out of choice.I thought its not a choice,it's the way one is born.If it is indeed a choice like you say,I therefore stand to condemn the act.However it is not to mean that i will be chasing after you to stop the behaviour or stop you from enjoying your sex.Its only when you say that its a choice that you serve to alienate me from understanding why any sane person would choose to publicly say what he does in his bedroom.You go further to irk me when you also state that it's a concept.How can it be a concept?A concept is followed out of choice, its a certain perception.
To me you come out like those Kenyan wonnabees who are too quick to take up whatever they see in movies or read on western magazines just to feel cool and civilised.

Casual Homosexuals
written by Stephen Wanyama , January 26, 2007

What I meant Macharia, Nekessa was simply that there are people who are on/ off lesbians or gays, i.e people who do it just for kicks or as a lifestyle choice and not because they are so predisposed.

Consider this article here from the Pulse Magazine at the East African Standard. Lipstick lesbians.

Being gay should be viewed as
written by olegaita , January 26, 2007

I highly object to the idea of trying to impose on our society that homosexuality is a normal and alternative life.This is not normal,it's just like telling as that a person who is mentally handicap be regarded in the same league as others.It is indeed a different and abnormal sexual orientation,calling it an alternative lifestyle is risking our kids to experiment with this other lifestyle thinking it's cool.My suggestion is that these people be accorded same status as handicup people.However gay people should be careful not put in our face what they do in their own bedroom,nobody cares what you do in your own privacy.They should be loved because it's not their wish to be like that.
The state should protect them the same way handicup ppl are protected,they should be free to have their own social places.They are citizens like anyone else.
Instead of dismissing everything as western,it's always good that we debate issues.The western society too wasn't too sure how to deal with this issue when it came up.

I Hate These Gay Idiots
written by Wangila , January 27, 2007

I really hate gaysand lesbians. They should all be rounded up andimprisoned in a remote jail in Dadaab or something.This WSF was just a waste of time and space.No wonder Kenyans largely ignored it.Stupid gay activists

Lipstick Lesbians
written by Nekessa , January 27, 2007

That article Wanyama, cannot and should not be quoted. It is poorly written and does not even begin to address what it is that the writer would like to address-- whether being gay is natural or by choice.

re: Casual Homosexuals
written by KenyanPatriot , January 28, 2007

Wanyama,
You wrote "Cess Mutungi exaggerates in alleging that 'we all know at least two gay people', I know none, even though I am pretty open-minded myself."

Aren't you then contradicting yourself by revealing you knowledge of "casual homosexuals," as you call them?


Didn't you just say above that you

What I meant Macharia, Nekessa was simply that there are people who are on/ off lesbians or gays, i.e people who do it just for kicks or as a lifestyle choice and not because they are so predisposed.

Consider this article here from the Pulse Magazine at the East African Standard. Lipstick lesbians.

re: I Hate These Gay Idiots
written by KenyanPatriot , January 28, 2007

May we ask why you hate gays and lesbians?

I really hate gaysand lesbians. They should all be rounded up andimprisoned in a remote jail in Dadaab or something.This WSF was just a waste of time and space.No wonder Kenyans largely ignored it.Stupid gay activists

re: Being gay should be viewed
written by KenyanPatriot , January 28, 2007

Olegaita
I agree with you on most of this but that one about treating homosexuality as a mental disability threw me off.

There are geniuses who are gay. I know so becasue I have worked with a lot of them.

I highly object to the idea of trying to impose on our society that homosexuality is a normal and alternative life.This is not normal,it's just like telling as that a person who is mentally handicap be regarded in the same league as others.It is indeed a different and abnormal sexual orientation,calling it an alternative lifestyle is risking our kids to experiment with this other lifestyle thinking it's cool.My suggestion is that these people be accorded same status as handicup people.However gay people should be careful not put in our face what they do in their own bedroom,nobody cares what you do in your own privacy.They should be loved because it's not their wish to be like that.
The state should protect them the same way handicup ppl are protected,they should be free to have their own social places.They are citizens like anyone else.
Instead of dismissing everything as western,it's always good that we debate issues.The western society too wasn't too sure how to deal with this issue when it came up.

Don\'t be Surprised
written by KenyanPatriot , January 28, 2007

Some of the most vicious opponents of gays and lesbians are homosexuals in denial. It happens everyday. Just recently in the U.S. a Republican congressman (most are anti-gay bible people) was busted sending sexually-charged messages to boys. A few months earlier, a clergyman in Colorado admitted he was gay.

Those of us opposing the rights of gay people should be careful, especially if we are basing our arguments--if we can call our emotionally-driven rants arguments--on what God says.

Someone wrote above that a western concept is being forced on us. The bible, which many of us are using as a book of reference on this and may issues is foreign tool, my friend. In fact, the way it was presented to us was by force. I don't see anyone coming to Kenya, gun in hand, forcing anyone to be gay or lesbian.

Furthermore, to say that people choose to be gay because of influence from the West is to assume that all gay people in Kenya have knowledge of Western culture. I come from rural Kenya and know people who are gay and don't know how to read or write, let alone what Western culture is.

Gays and lesbians are and have been everywhere the human race inhabits. It's just recently that they have become outspoken about their rights. Anyone thinking that they are going away is mistaken.

Round them up and imprison them, as Wangila suggests above, but that will not get rid of them. Because they are everywhere, my friends. They are your friends, brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts, children, even parents. They are marrying heterosexuals against their will because their beloved ones want to persecute them. The result: broken marriages and dysfunctional families.

Kenyan Patriot
written by Nekessa , January 28, 2007

U summed it all up!!!

...
written by TONY YAP , January 28, 2007

well its only a matter of inner consciousness that you will be in a position to understand us. People are not premised to be emotional on this issue.Take a clear initiative and protect your sexuality rather than condemn what you have not experienced.

Closet should be ajar
written by Bosibori , January 29, 2007

I have a couple of gay friends...lovely people i must say ,and everybody whether gay,bi or hetero-sexual needs to be held with a level of dignity.I strongly believe that being gay is not an Innate behaviour it is acquired,whether consciously or subconciously,as opposed to transsexuals who through scientific empirical facts have been found to born that way, there's a reason why gay people differ from the mainstream and its only reasonable for them to have laws that protect them from abuse, assault and the likes but whatever else happens would best remain quietor maybe the closet jus needs to left ajar .in my opinion its an addiction like any other that needs to be fought with everyday(from the testimonies of former homosexuals ),therefore in people's struggle to advocate for gays rights in the same spirit substance abusers,kleptomaniacs and commercial sex workers etc should advocate for their rights as well...and the rest of the population can sit back and watch their kids initiated to a whole new society where liberty has no ends.

...
written by olegaita , January 29, 2007

Kenyan patriot,I do understand why you are getting confused.Being handicapped does not mean you cannot be a genius.I meant to say that since being gay is not normal which is very obvious that something is a miss with these ppl,they be regarded somewhat like the way handicap ppl are regarded.It is true that gay ppl can be talented just like or more than normal ppl.But since their sexual orientation is not normal,we be careful not to give an impression to our kids that this is a normal behaviour and its ok.It is also the responsibility of gay ppl themselves to come out clear that their sexual orientation is abnormal to avoid confusion.We can only tolerate them as a mark of human rights but should not force as to believe this is normal.We all know that nature can malfunction.

...
written by olegaita , January 29, 2007

Stealing and prostition should also be allowed.I know of ppl who are thieves or prostitutes and come from a background which they were financially ok.Probably these ppl are genetically predisposed to stealing or prostitution.They should also fight for their rights.Human rights groups in kenya should adress the issue of mob justice or police shooting criminals.It is not their wish to be criminals,they were either born that way or are too poor.I know a friend who steals even from his own pocket

Please...GayPatriot!
written by Wangila , January 30, 2007

Look Gay Patriot and your homosexual friends!
I hate gayism for s fsct and the nonsense u wrote is not going to make me change my mind. It is an alien thing perpetuated by perveted westerns and your stupid mind accepts it wholesome.I cant tolerate them.If some gays are roughed up in the streets I wouldnt care.Mugabe said they are worse than dogs-I agree fully.
Dont propositon me GayPatriot-Im never going to join your side.
As a matter of opinion,accept my right to hate you and your friends lifestyle.

Heheheh
written by Wangila , January 30, 2007

Good Point Olegaita.
They should see a bootcamp psychologist.I say petty thieves should be accorded rights too and allowed to thief since it is an 'inborn thing,a lifestyle'.
Pleeease! If you are gay do it in the privacy of your home...when you come upsetting people in the streets with your nauseating selves campaigning for your sickly activities dont get very suprised when normal people get revolted and react.There's nothing as fag love.Stupid. Fire pon da chichi-man.

...
written by James Macharia , January 30, 2007

I must admit upfront that I am gay but am not an activist and not looking for acceptance from mainstream society. I have just declared that I am in view of the discussion going on.

Having said that, I do not agree with the activists that there is a need to push for any rights. I have lived for 34 years and have been in relationship with 2 men( not at the same time. My sexuality is on a need to know basis and I only told my family for their own protection.

Years ago, I tried therapy,religion and even celibacy. None of these improved my attraction to women. Am discerning enough to know that I will never be attracted to women. I did not make the choice, I actually fought the desire for men( especially in teens). Lets us stop sexialising this issue coz it has little to do with sex.

You never chose to be gay but you chose to live gay. There is a difference

...
written by Sijui , January 30, 2007

I am against 'GAY RIGHTS', I am for 'HUMAN RIGHTS'. Violence against ANYBODY for the mere sake of sexual orientation or lifestyle choice should be punishable. Accomodation wise, that is as far as we should go. Homosexuality is not generally accepted in our culture, GAYS should respect that. As long as this lack of acceptability does not veer in to deliberate acts of harm and predjudice, Kenyans have a right to their opinions. That's why protection of sexual orientation should be enshrined in the constitution as a human right. Again, this does not mean that Kenyans must accept homosexuality, it means that Kenyans cannot infringe on another human being's rights just because of their sexual orientation.

Rabble Rouser
written by Kamau , January 30, 2007

remove gay insert black; and you have same argument given as to why black should not be given civil rights.

...
written by GAY OR NOT GAY. , January 30, 2007

It is right to respect people's choices, agreed. Wasenge/mashoga wote wamekuwa tangu enzi za bibilia...

Someone once mouthed this, and I gave the question a nod: Why should we make decisions based on who you sleep with, or better still...sex orientation. Alternative for what? Reproduction?

A handicap, wether mental or physically can not be equated to homosexuality. The former is not by any chance, a choice.

Todate, there is no scientific proof that 'homosexuality' is genetic. This is not the a George Bush theory..where a lie spoken long enough becomes fact.

The closest scientists have come is to hypothyze that the trend has risen as a result of 'hand me down' toxicants,
siting the deadliest toxins as PCB's and side rxns of DDT products.

Well documented experiments show that wildlife and rats that were exposed to these elements during specific periods of gestation produced younglings that abored nuturing.

The closest to testing humans are dogs-although the humane society is keen to stop that too-and indeed the gay character was observed after toxin exposure.

In simple terms, toxins upset the hormone production at critical times, leading to sexual-organ development dilemmas.
Let it be known that the sperm reaching an ovum does not determine sex pronto...for several hours or days...sex is inderterminable...and at this point...several things can happen if hormonal messages are mixed up.

The paradox of it all...no one has yet pin pointed the exact role of hormones in a human body, or even how they function...but their surge and drop is physically evident.

Until then, ushoga is a choice.

And what is the story for the bi-sexuals?

re: Rabble Rouser
written by KenyanPatriot , January 31, 2007

You've said it all, Kamau. That's the shortest line I have seen here that makes sense.

remove gay insert black; and you have same argument given as to why black should not be given civil rights.

...
written by Honey! , February 01, 2007

The thought that 'LGQT' (Lesbian, Gay, Queer, Transgender...whatever the names) groups compare themselves to Black People's civil rights movement shocks me.

Help me figure this out...where is the problem exactly? Gay people are represented in all phases of life...they have their civil unions (I vote against calling it a marriage), what is the problem? They dont vote? Or denied school? Or sit back on buses? Or have different water faucets?

Please, for you colored folk in America, stop diminishing the role of the 60's civil rights movements. We have alot to thank them for.

Comparing LGQ issues to civil rights is misplaced, period. Try something else...probably the abortion rights...was it Roe Vs. Wade...that can fly!

...
written by olegaita , February 02, 2007

yeah thats a good point,they should also accept our rights to hate them.A hatefulperson too should be accorded rights.It is human nature to hate,love or like.
This shows that this gay debate these ppl have brought upon normal kenyans is rather stupid because who cares if one is gay and keep it in their bedroom.

To Tony
written by olegaita , February 03, 2007

But Tony you said being gays is a choice and a concept,why are you now turning around to say its an inner feeling.What am concerned about is why you have to come out of the closet to tell us what you do in your own privacy and asking society to accept your ways.No sane person would go public to say how they have sex, be they heteresexual or homosexual.Am pretty sure if two normal ppl are caught having sex in public,they would be stoned,is that hatred of straight ppl too?.We straight ppl should also fight for our rights to have sex in the public.Dressing provocatively is another thing,women who dress like they wonna have sex got no one to blame when they get raped,some men can't control their own sexual urge.These men should also be accorded their rights as it is an "inner feeling" that they are unable to contain their sexual urge when they see half naked women.I wonder how these type of men survive in a society like Karamajong where they stay nude throughout.
It goes to show how much stupid it would get with this issue of rights.Millions of years of human existence,humans have had a certain pattern of behaviour that has always been acceptable.
My advice to ppl like Tony is to keep their abnormal sexual orientation privately as it has always been and nobody will bother them.It is not to say in the west where homosexuality is open,homosexuals go without facing violence against them.The govt. policy is to protect their rights but within society,it is still not widely accepted.

...
written by olegaita , February 03, 2007

You got a point,violence towards anybody should not be condoned.Our African culture does not tolerate even the openly explicit sexual behaviour of heterosexuals let alone homosexuality.Gay ppl aught to accept the reality that even if they succeed in persuading the govt. to enshrine their rights of existence on a piece of paper,society will forever not be free to accept them.And therefore should keep their unfortunate sexual orientation privately as they have always done for those millions of yrs.

Civil rights vs. Homos?
written by Honey , February 03, 2007

'I know lots of us simply hear about civil rights, and read about 'I have a dream' by Martin Luther. Try researching the mess that was, and is still is. How many of us wud be willing to let our 5 year old daughters go through these. Visit Wikipedia, and see the true picture of the tiny black gal betwixt beefy white marshals and mature white men and women on the sides yelling obscenities!. That the gal, a 5-year old, needed 4 Federal Marshals' to protect her. Lets think before we relate today's politico-socio korektiness self destructive tendencies or 'alternatives' as we have dabbed them, TO A CRUCIAL ISSUE LIKE CIVIL RIGHTS.

"Ruby Bridges Hall (born Ruby Nell Bridges September 8, 1954 in Tylertown, Mississippi) moved with her parents to New Orleans, Louisiana at the age of two. In 1960, when she was 5 years old, her parents responded to a call from the NAACP and volunteered her to participate in the integration of the New Orleans School system. She became the first black child to attend William Frantz Elementary School, and the first black elementary school child to attend a white school in Louisiana.


The Problem We All Live With by Norman RockwellDue to white opposition to integration, she needed protection to enter the school, and as local and state officials were unwilling to provide it she was accompanied by federal marshals. Her mother had warned her that there "might be a lot of people outside this new school", but other than that she had no warning of the crowds of screaming racists she had to pass through to enter the school. As she describes it, "driving up I could see the crowd, but living in New Orleans, I actually thought it was Mardi Gras. There was a large crowd of people outside of the school. They were throwing things and shouting, and that sort of goes on in New Orleans at Mardi Gras." first day, November 14, 1960, was commemorated by Norman Rockwell in a painting called The Problem We All Live With. As soon as Ruby got into the school, white parents went in and brought their own children out; all but one of the white teachers also refused to teach while a black child was enrolled. Only Barbara Henry, who was from Boston, Massachusetts, was willing to teach Ruby, and for over a year Mrs. Henry taught her alone, "as if she were teaching a whole class".

Ruby's family suffered for their decision to send her to William Frantz Elementary: her father lost his job, and her grandparents, who were sharecroppers in Mississippi, were turned off their land.

Ruby Bridges, now Ruby Bridges Hall, still lives in New Orleans. She is now chair of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which she formed in 1999 to promote "the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences". Describing the mission of the group, she says, "racism is a grown-up disease."

On October 27, 2006, the city of Alameda, California dedicated a new elementary school to Ruby Bridges, and issued a proclamation in her honor."

...
written by aeichener , February 05, 2007

Kamau, Kenyan Patriot and Nekessa have summed it up so well and pithily that I need not add anything. These are "truths we hold for self-evident", like civil and human rights for blacks.

Instead, I would like to quote my words from another forum:

Lots of questions, most probably better answered in another thread. The WSF stand of the GLB(TI) federation was definitely a good thing, as I hear from visitors. It was the most crowded and also the most peaceful event there. The value of such a self-presentation is of course not the education of bigots and haters; but rather, to encourage the many other, isolated queer folks and to show them that they are not alone.

As to dykes, they are visible if and when you are looking around. Quite as visible as bad journalists like Caroline Wahome (whose father will rotate in his grave).
I remember an outstanding flamboyant South African tomboy (suit, vest, hat and everything) at the GSU graduation parade in Embakasi, a waitress in Nakuru... anyhow, young Kenyan lesbians are nowadays more self-assured and will hit on you readily if the environment is right. And that's a very good development.

Alexander

Here is something worth activi
written by Honey , February 05, 2007

Prostitutes the Losers in AIDS Vaccine SagaBy Kwamchetsi Makokha, The Nation (Nairobi), Analysis, 20 October 2000
Nairobi -
It may be the oldest profession, but it certainly is not just what the NGOs would call a growth area. There are risks and dangers of injury, disease and death, just as there may be rewards accompanying the rising demand for sex services.

The people who work in the comfort industry have been called prostitutes, madams, courtesans and escorts - terms that are not flattering by any means. But thanks to politically correct language, they are nowadays called commercial or survival sex workers. Their trade flourishes in the midst of prudish, religious and extremely moralistic societies - such as the Kenyan one.

There have been calls to register and tax prostitutes. All of these have, however, been roundly dismissed on the basis of fears that it would encourage flesh peddling.

In Nairobi alone, some 250,000 people are thought to be directly involved in prostitution.

That kind of number makes prostitutes a very important social group in the struggle to check the spread of Aids. In the past 10 years, prostitutes have, however, done a little better than just accept and use condoms from Aids control programme officials.

They are playing an important role in continuing research for an Aids vaccine. Ever since it was discovered that some women in Nairobi's Majengo area were not contracting HIV - even after repeated exposure to the virus - scientists started toying with the idea of developing a vaccine. The women have been found to have killer T-cells that demolish HIV and thus make them immune to it.

It has been 10 years of work, in which hopes have been raised that a solution to the Aids problem, now killing some 500 Kenyans every day, may be at hand. Microbiologists from the University of Nairobi has been working with Oxford University researchers to develop a vaccine that would stimulate the generation of such cells in other human beings.

It is a serious effort which received financial endorsement from the International Aids Vaccine Initiative and was mentioned at the Aids conference in South Africa as one of the glimmers of hope in the battle against the epidemic.

In the past week, however, a major controversy over the vaccine research has snowballed from a mere oversight in acknowledging Kenyan scientists' efforts to a total denial of their input.

The story coming from London last week was that the British scientists who were working on the research with their Kenyan counterparts had rushed to register the patent for the vaccine to prevent anyone else from claiming credit for it.

The vaccine was not supposed to be a profit-driven enterprise. The money is, however, difficult to ignore if one considers the threat that Aids represents to the world. The honour that would accompany the discovery of a vaccine is Nobel- size.

This week, however, the Oxford University team sent a shocker. It classified the Kenyans who participated in the project as among those who "may have performed certain experiments but who did not provide intellectual input". It is difficult to tell whether the theory for this research was developed elsewhere and the experiments just carried out in Kenya. But it does not sound good.

In plain British English, there were no Kenyan inventors. Dr Job Bwayo, Dr Aggrey Anzala and Prof Jeckoniah Ndinya-Achola, who worked with the British scientists, were no more than laboratory hands.

It is a difficult assertion to believe.

Dr Bwayo alone has a 30-page CV that does not mention the primary schools he went to. It is a catalogue of research projects and published scientific papers. This then is the man who led a team of research hands in doing manual work for the Oxford scientists.

Nothing wrong with that.

There is nobility, too, in being a research spanner-boy. Trouble is that the Oxford scientists are telling us that for the past seven years, our scientists have been lying to the whole country. That they were claiming credit for something they had nothing to do with. It is stunning.

The alienation of Kenyan scientists is not the only thing the British scientists want to do. They are saying that even the research subjects in the study were not there.

Two additional strokes were added to the scientists' denial of Kenya's involvement: One is that the information on the Majengo women was already in the public domain. Secondly, that the new information in the patent does not include data obtained from the research on the Nairobi sex workers, "although some of the Oxford work involved studying the women".

What is very disturbing is that a similar study in the Gambia on commercial sex workers by the same team also found some women to have killer T-cells. It is instructive that the Oxford scientists did not develop a vaccine to be tried in that country.

The vaccine that has been designed is specifically meant to tackle HIV strains prominent in Kenya and in East Africa. This has been done because of the Oxford scientists' "interest and concern" for the Aids situation in Kenya.

They also remember their happy experience of working with the Kenyan team and no doubt look forward to working with them. Nothing could be as patronising as that.

Kenyans are not supposed to feel cheated since there are still opportunities to contribute to the patent. In the event of such a contribution being needed, they will be acknowledged and paid. After all, there is still a lot of work to be done.

And then there is the issue of clinical trials which have been scheduled for this December. Those ones, the Oxford researchers will certainly pay for.

The Oxford researchers expect to be led to Majengo again, on the basis of trust. For now, Kenya has no legal rights over any proceeds from the vaccine. Whatever crumbs the Oxford team chooses to drop will be purely out of the generosity of their hearts. It is a preposterous presumption, but again extremely possible.

It is difficult to stand in the way of genuine efforts to rid the world of Aids. It is something the British scientists are banking on. Or perhaps they hoping to go somewhere else and build on what they reaped from here.

We can all blame Kenyan scientists for not being aware that there was a chance of their being treated this way. But Dr Bwayo, Dr Anzala and Prof Ndinya- Achola are not lawyers or politicians. It is amazing how the Government did not try to get involved in their work. It is disheartening that the Kenya Intellectual Property Organisation sat and waited to be approached instead of seeking how it could be helpful.

The University of Nairobi cannot be blamed for trying. At least it had a skeletal memorandum of understanding.

The problem, however, lies in not having laws and structures that protect Kenyans from these kinds of embarrassing situations. And it is not just the scientists.

The Majengo women who were the research subjects of this study are about to be alienated from it, and it looks as if there is nowhere for them to go. Instead, come December, the country and the international community will want them to volunteer for vaccine trials.

...
written by aeichener , February 06, 2007

Thanks for invoking the memory of Dr Bwayo, just slain by thugs on Sunday. R.I.P. :cry:

Alexander

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written by Mkenya , February 12, 2007

I do not condemn nor condone homosexuality. My stand on the issue is, whether we like it or not...they exist, always have. My two pence oipinion is, if legalised, people will be educated moe on the same and therefore by choosing to go that route, one is gonna take it with the full knowledge of the consequences. Let people make informed decisions by educating them. We should all recall, days when people would not talk about aids...when people became too sick and we started talking about it, people got more informed and the prevalence rate went down low, Why? because people were in the know and hence made informed decisions. The same approach should be applied here i suppose. Like aids, your son/daughter or even parents might one day come out of the closet and tell you things as they are...what a man to do...for things you cannot change, learnt to accept them or at least understand them. I am not gay but i have a gay friend and like him like i do my straight friends

Mmm..what a Waste
written by Trannel Mutavares Deeg , March 04, 2007

First,the WANGILA guy!Hung yourself high then!Because you will see many many Outing Gays Now!
We even Have Politicians, Clergy, Professionals in Kenya who still Sleep around with Boys or Men in the Darkness! Yet they are very Much married maybe with Kids too. But they Dont enjoy their Str8 Marriages!.
No Matter what Big-Gay Haters say.Gayism exists! and in Kenya it is even More..i think in Few Years Kenya will be with as Many Open Gays as South Africa! I myself i am young Kenyan Gay.and to make it more surprisingly.. i am Married to a Man (Foreigner) and we live Happily here in europe! and there are many Kenyan Gay people in the same league as me here too!
So Gay haters: Chanukeni!

vile ilivyo...
written by ukweli , March 20, 2007

...i belive sex is sex ...kila shimo dunga tu :twisted: !shimo mbaya ni ile ya nyoka! :roll:

Pervs
written by Amina , March 20, 2007

We even Have Politicians, Clergy, Professionals in Kenya who still Sleep around with Boys or Men in the Darkness! Yet they are very Much married maybe with Kids too. But they Dont enjoy their Str8 Marriages!.

I have a problem with the above quote. Even if you are guy, which you shouldn't, why would you involve your family? Why would you marry someone making them believe that you are straight?