Our conservative culture vs 'Obama frenzy'

As Obama visit looms, the current hullabaloo on legalization of same sex unions in the US has intensified debate among the world’s population. Proponents could not hide their joy as the United States Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land. A majority of African countries however are opposed to the move owing to their conservative cultures.

Kenyans should not fall gullible into adopting such practices as they do not conform to our contemporary traditions. We should resist attempts to ‘decolonize’ our minds into believing that same sex marriages are geared towards achieving equality for all. One would wonder why President Obama is advocating for African countries to change their perceptions and embrace gays and lesbians in our society yet he is married to a woman with whom he has sired 2 beautiful kids.

The main agenda for Obama’s visit to Kenya is to empower young African entrepreneurs during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit to be held in Nairobi on 24th July. The statement purpose of the trip is to "accelerate economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions, and improve security" in Africa. It will be wise for him to stick to these issues and he should not in any way accelerate or promote adoption of gay behavior in the country.

Kenya is a sovereign state and no foreign power should impose their ideas, beliefs or practices to us. In May, Deputy President William Ruto maintained that Kenya would not allow homosexuality as it is against Christianity and human nature. Earlier the High court had ordered the Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai to register a gays’ organization so as to protect the rights of minorities but religious leaders opposed the move terming it as an infringement on our faith and believes.

The U.S should not use aid funds as a condition for embracing gays in the society. With our rich resources we can do wonders without aid if all and sundry become accountable.