Gayism a non-issue, Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta now says the debate on homosexuality is not part of the agenda during his meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.

In a press briefing at Sate House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said Kenya has more important issues to address than homosexuality.

“Homosexuality is a non-issue. Kenya has more serious issues that need to be addressed,” said President Kenyatta.

The President’s remarks come amidst protests by a section of political and religious leaders, including his deputy William Ruto, opposed to gay and lesbian rights.

In his address at AIC Ziwani Church in Nairobi early this month, Ruto said; “homosexuality is against the plan of God and should not be tolerated.”

“We have heard that in the U.S. they have allowed gay relations and such things. I want to say as a Christian leader that we will defend our country Kenya, we will stand for our faith and our country,” he added.

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau and Manyatta MP John Muchiri urged President Obama to respect Kenyans’ culture saying they would not abandon their traditions which speak against same-sex marriages.

State House was, however, reluctant to weigh in on the matter with spokesman Manoah Esipisu terming the debate as inconsequential.

In a statement, Esipisu highlighted the importance of freedom of speech, adding that they cannot dictate what President Obama can or cannot say during his visit to Kenya.

“As Kenyans, we believe in Freedom of Speech. We cannot tell Obama what he can or cannot say during his visit to Kenya,” said Esipisu.

President Obama is among few world leaders who have been vocal about same sex marriage.

During his trip to Senegal in 2013, Obama called on African governments to give gay people equal rights by decriminalizing homosexuality, as quoted by the BBC.