This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, the National Assembly's Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC) was set to table its report on a petition filed by nominated MP Jennifer Shamalla.
However, JLAC Chairperson William Cheptumo requested additional time to finalize the report, citing the committee's exhaustion of the legally allowed 60 days.
Majority of MPs rejected the plea, with several citing their religious orientations as a reason not to debate the matter.
“I am a Christian, and cannot listen to this debate,” said Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa.
Others, including National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Minority Leader John Mbadi, echoed similar sentiments, stating that homosexuality was not advocated for in the Bible and Quran.
MPs affirmatively agreed not to debate the matter, resulting in the collapsing of Shamalla’s petition.
