Consequently, a number of Kenyan celebrities and influencers have come out as gay from the onset of their careers and others have remained fluid in their sexual identities while advocating for a more accommodating and open-minded society, especially in Kenya.
Increased media coverage and increase of homosexual rights rightly corresponds with more people coming out even though a bigger part of the society is yet to accept this reality.
However, oppressive and intimidating comments always come with “coming out” posts but this is equally accompanied by overwhelming love and support from netizens.
Below are a few Kenyan personalities who are out and proud and are actively vocal In fighting for LGBTQ rights! ️
Silas Miami
Unknown to many, veteran news anchor Louis Otieno has a son Silas Miami who has openly come out as gay.
Back in June, the young man revealed to netizens that he is now happily married and hitched to his caucasian male partner whom he only identified as Patrick.
The life partners are apparently based in South Africa where Silas works as a filmmaker.
“I met and married someone just under a year ago. He’s got all the things, kindness, courage, honesty, but why all this is fine, that is not why I married him,” Miami said.
“In fact, neither of us believed in marriage. We still don’t. But after months of us looking at options for what companionship would look like, especially seeing as travel isn’t exactly easy for us, we settled on going for it,” he said.
Adding;
“We maintain an ethically easy for us, we settled on going for it. We maintain an ethically polyamorous situation because monogamy gives us both migraines. That being said, Patrick Miami (yes, he took my name) is my primary life partner and I’m proud to be his,” he further revealed.
Anita Nderu
Back in September, Anita Nderu sparked a Twitter debate after confessing to being a member of the LGBTQ community.
In a tweet that since went viral, Nderu detailed how she wouldn’t want her children to struggle like her for being LGBTQ.
“I hope my kids never go through what I have gone through for being LGBTQ+” she tweeted.
https://twitter.com/AnitaNderu/status/1306506881108713473?s=20
Her cryptic message came after she was on the receiving end for hosting two gays in one of her Overdressed Cook Youtube Show alongside her two hosts; Victor Maish and Romeo the Bossy were seen making their meals seductively.
What followed was angry keyboard warriors pouncing on the TV presenter and a certain cooking oil company for promoting homosexuality.
In a quick rejoinder, unfazed Anita explained that she advocates and supports the LGBTQ community and every human deserves to be loved regardless.
“I will never be bullied into silence. As human beings, we have the right to refuse to be defined by what other people think rather we must define ourselves. As people, we should celebrate our differences, encourage authenticity and wonder at the diversity of humanity. We all have a right to love and be loved however and whenever.” She said.
Dennis Karuri
Dennis Karuri is a popular make-up artist and content creator with a massive following on social media.
The beauty king from time to time has been speculated to being gay from his dressing to make-up looks but one would mostly say make-up is a form of art not limited to a specific gender.
It is not uncommon to see many newbies looking up to Dennis as he has taken over the female-dominated industry effortlessly whilst attracting A-list celebrities and locals clients.
It is still unclear where Karuri stands in terms of his sexual orientation but he is never shying away from dressing or expressing his feminine energy with various looks which leaves his fans conflicted.
Despite remaining fluid on his sexuality, it’s easy to note that he advocates the LGBTQ movement as seen on his YouTube content and social media posts.
Fans are always left with questions but who said you can’t be a male make-up artist and not represent your brand as you please? Maybe it’s a popular culture!
Makena Njeri
Christine Njeri Makena alias Makena Njeri is a former Tahidi High actress who has been on the limelight for a number of reasons one of them being her sexuality.
She has been very transparent about her sexuality having been romantically linked to Michelle Ntalami the founder of Marini Naturals.
Since then, the two have been considered to be proud flag bearers of the lesbian community.
This has seen both of them getting trolled and support in equal measure but Ntalami responded by urging netizens not to put labels on her relationship.
“Stop fixing labels on people who are not what you are calling them. The dynamics of a relationship are too intricate for you to simply slap on a label on someone. If I haven’t said it myself you have no right to go labeling me this or that,” her post started out.
Even though the two are always seen looking lovey-dovey both online and offline, they are yet to voice out their sexuality as Kenyans feel they are too close and suggestive to be platonic friends.
Chimano
Sauti Sol singer Willis Austin Chimano once made it to the trending list on social media after a photo that insinuated he was a member of the LGBTQ community went viral.
Despite his sexuality being debated for years, the deep-voiced singer allegedly came out as gay in a rare photograph shared by Sauti Sol when each of the bandmates was seen posing with their partners with the caption “sol family ❤️“
Chimano was seen posing next to his male Caucasian lover. The post would later open a can of worms for Chimano who was trolled beyond measure.
Taking to Twitter, the musician took a swipe at haters who called him out for being homosexual while laughing off the homophobic jokes made about him and his significant other saying;
“Guys are mad! Hahahahaha ha it’s a good look you!” He Tweeted
Binyavanga Wainaina
The late Binyavanga Wainaina was an award-winning prolific writer who was openly gay.
The deceased came out in 2014 amid violent attacks on gay activists and members in different parts of Africa.
Coming out of his closet with his memoir titled, “I am Homosexual, Mum”. He went on to tweet, “I am, for anybody confused or in doubt, a homosexual.”
Sadly, the activist passed on in May 2019 after revealing his HIV diagnosis which was positive.
Noti flow
Kenyan singer Notiflow shockingly revealed she is bisexual after openly confessing being attracted to women.
Similarly, she released a music video dubbed “same love” to extend support to the gay community but after much backlash and criticism from Kenyans, her song got blacklisted by KFCB boss Ezekiel Mutua.
Speaking during an interview with the Nairobian, the singer spoke about being bisexual and pro LGBTQ while explaining that love comes in many ways and forms.
“My first encounter was with a girl at 19 years, I have dated girls but also men. Love comes in many different ways and it doesn’t have to be specific with a man or woman. Love doesn’t discriminate as I have loved a man and also loved a woman.”
Adding;
” I find ladies to be more genuine, when a woman tells you they love you, they actually mean it and they care about you.Its not all about sex it is more emotional and supportive,” she said.