Rights groups Want Magoha Charged Over Gay Remarks
Rights groups are now calling for Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha to be charged with discriminating against gay students.
The activists chastised the minister for suggesting that such students be transferred to day schools.
Prof Magoha stated that students should be sent to schools close to their homes and that teachers should not be intimidated by children.
Prof Magoha’s sentiments, according to Becky Odhiambo, programme director of the Western Kenya LBQT Feminist Forum, are anti-Constitutional.
She stated that it is wrong for someone in authority to openly discriminate against segments of society “due to their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.”
The State shall not discriminate…against a person on any ground, including race, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social status according to Ms Odhiambo.
“The Education Cabinet Secretary has done that, and he should be prosecuted.”
Another activist, Ms Caroline Rucah, stated that it is incorrect to assume that children do not have the right to privacy and choice.
“There are no gay learners, there are learners. Children should be accorded the freedom to study wherever they want. The same Constitution encourages affirmative action,” Ms Odhiambo said.
Magoha ordered that homosexuals be barred from boarding schools and enrolled in day schools closer to their homes, and that those who were already boarding be transferred.
“Right now, there are contemporary cases of children who are homosexual and lesbians, they must go to day schools close to their homes.
“Your responsibility should be for the greater majority and not a few individuals. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by children,” said Prof Magoha.
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Prof Magoha accused parents of not spending enough time with their children, which he blamed for their children’s drug use.
He made the remarks during a visit to Kisumu and Siaya, where he met with the heads of national and special schools.
Rights groups Want Magoha Charged Over Gay Remarks