As the world commemorated the UN International Day of Families, a coalition of grassroots human rights defenders in Kenya urged national leaders to focus on protecting families through action—not divisive propaganda. Convening at Nairobi’s Boma Hotel, the group released a statement titled “Kenyan Families Deserve Protection, Not Propaganda,” condemning rising efforts to impose narrow definitions of family.
The coalition criticized groups promoting exclusionary laws and foreign-influenced ideologies, warning that such efforts erode Kenya’s diverse family structures and foster discrimination, particularly against women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals. They cited research showing 71% of LGBTQ+ Kenyans have faced bias, arguing this undermines the family as a unit of safety and dignity.
The statement emphasized that love, care, and community—not structure—define a family, calling for stronger protections against violence, better healthcare access, inclusive education, and economic reforms. The coalition urged leaders, including President Ruto, to reject discriminatory policies and invest in inclusive support systems that reflect Kenya’s constitutional values.
