ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how Islam as a public religion mobilises against homosexuals and contributes to the politicisation of homosexuality in Kenya. This makes being a homosexual and a Muslim in Kenya an enormous challenge due to vitriolic attacks from the state, conformist ulama, and advocators of African traditional values. The chapter demonstrates the traditional existence of, and tolerance towards homosexual practices in coastal Kenya, it explores why suddenly homosexuality has become a political issue in Kenya. Similarly, some Muslim clerics have also called Kenyans to reject homosexuality because, according to them, it is an act that is contrary to religion as well as African traditions and beliefs. Despite the ambiguity of the Penal Code, many people in Kenya oppose homosexuality, and particularly among Muslims due to their widely held doctrinal belief. In the jurisprudence of most Muslimulama and the stipulations of Kenya's Penal Code, there is a stronger condemnation on gays than on lesbians.
