Calls for Legislative Action on Family Protection Bill

In the wake of President William Ruto’s endorsement of former US President Donald Trump’s recent gender policy, Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma is urging the swift enactment of the Family Protection Bill 2023. This call to action comes after Ruto publicly reaffirmed the belief in only two genders—male and female—during a church service at the Global Cathedral on January 26, 2025.

Kaluma expressed gratitude to Ruto for his stance, which aligns with the MP’s own views on traditional gender roles. He emphasized the need to revive the Family Protection Bill, which seeks to criminalize same-sex marriages and unnatural sexual acts while prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality in Kenya. In his statement, Kaluma declared, “The Family Protection Bill must now be dusted off from the shelves of Parliament and be enacted into law.”

Ruto’s remarks echoed his support for Trump’s policy, which asserts that the US government will recognize only two sexes and rescinds protections for gender identity and sexual orientation established under the previous administration. The Kenyan President framed this alignment with U.S. policy as a reflection of Kenyan values and traditions, asserting that it is foundational to biblical teachings.

During his address, Ruto stated, “We are proud that the developments from the United States confirm what our faith believes and what our traditions are grounded upon.” He further reinforced the notion that gender distinctions must be preserved, stating, “Boys must remain boys, men must remain men, and women must remain women.”

Trump’s gender policy shift has sparked considerable debate, as it reverses actions taken by his predecessor, Joe Biden, who had broadened protections for non-binary and transgender individuals. The current discourse in Kenya, as championed by Kaluma and Ruto, reflects a growing sentiment among some lawmakers who seek to solidify traditional gender norms through legislation.

As discussions continue, the Family Protection Bill is set to become a focal point in Kenya’s legislative agenda, with advocates like Kaluma rallying for its passage in light of recent international developments. The situation underscores the intersection of politics, culture, and human rights within the context of Kenya’s evolving societal discourse on gender identity.

The push for the Family Protection Bill 2023, combined with President William Ruto’s endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s restrictive gender policy, could potentially undermine progress made in advancing human rights, inclusivity, and equality