Kenya's prime minister: 'No need' for homosexuality

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said at a rally Sunday that homosexuals should be arrested.

“Any man found engaging in sexual activities with another man should be arrested,” Odinga said in the Nairobi slum of Kibera.

“Even women found engaging in sexual activities will be arrested.”

Speaking to his home constituency, Odinga, also a member of Parliament, argued that since August census results showed the national population was perfectly split between men and women, there was “no need” for homosexuality.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in this country. Men or women found engaging in those acts deserve to be arrested and will be arrested,” Odinga said to cheers and laughter in the crowd.

His comments came following criticism of a new constitution adopted in August with the backing of both Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki.

Some critics had argued the new basic law contained articles that were tantamount to tolerating same-sex marriages and abortion, but Odinga rejected the accusations.

“Those were lies from leaders who wanted to confuse Kenyans to reject the new law, the Constitution is very clear on that matter.

It does not state anywhere that same sex marriage is legal in Kenya,” he said.

A move by neighbouring Uganda to introduce a Bill that would further criminalise homosexuality and even gay rights advocacy has been described as “odious” by United States President Barack Obama and sparked the ire of rights groups. - AFP