Kenya IDAHO Report 2013

A peaceful May 17 manifestation in Nairobi city centre was banned at the last minute by police. Local activists advised they had acquired a permit ahead of the event but this was unexpectedly cancelled, just ahead of the start of the march which was due to start at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park. The news was covered in a brief segment on Kenyan National Television station KTN, and was widely reported by international media, such as BBC World. A dance flashmob in Nairobi also had to be moved at the last minute due to sudden government concerns about traffic control. Activists were undeterred however, issuing a number of defiant statements on and after May 17.

The capital’s LGBT community also joined together for a rainbow-themed picnic the weekend before May 17, and gathered for a manifestation in a Nairobi city park. A range of activities in the city of Kusumu also marked the year’s commemorations.

 

Police Banned Scheduled LGBT Rights March in Nairobi Without Warning

Activists in Kenya report this morning (May 17) that police intervened to prevent them from conducting a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi city centre. They had acquired a permit ahead of the event but this was unexpectedly cancelled, just ahead of the start of the march which was due to start at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park.
Organisers released this statement shortly afterwards via social media:
“IDAHOBIT KENYA 2013 – Significance of Police stopping the procession
A procession was to start at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park, this morning. A permit had been issued which was later cancelled by the police. The police have also stopped the procession. Why is this significant?
The procession would have created awareness and made us, LGBTQIA Kenyans visible to others. Confining us to one place further enhances the “invisibility” of our community perpetuated by government bodies
The procession was to head over to Sheria House to give a petition to the Attorney General to scrap those laws that oppress us. This of course would attract a lot of media attention as well as putting the government “on report”. Stopping the procession denies us the opportunity to be seen publicly engaging the legal instruments of our country.
But we will not be frustrated or discouraged. We will keep going. Come Join us at the Railways Exhibition from 1pm.”
See also: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/police-shut-down-idaho-gay-march-kenya170513

Scheduled Dance Flashmob Moved at Last Minute Due to “High Traffic”

Reports OutinKENYA: http://www.facebook.com/IDAHOBIT

OutinKenya Rainbow Picnic – Sunday May 12, 2013

Photos available from: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.190319841121041.1073741831.182613415225017
Actions in Kusumu
KISUMU, KENYA. IDAHO 2013 EVENTS:
Welcome to IDAHO-International Day Against HOMOPHOBIA.
This is a community event that’s scheduled to take place on Friday 17th (9am-9pm) and CANDLE-LIGHT DINNER on Saturday 18th (3pm-9pm) at KIPE.
KIPE compound, Kisumu.
There will be.,fashion show,theatre & drama,sex & ethics,movies and snacks & lunch. All are welcome. COME LETS HAVE FUN!
For more info see:

National Media Reports:

KTN (Kenya Television Network) Coverage: