Kenya and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries as they explore ways to balance the trade between them.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently hosted Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Okaniwa Ken to discuss various modalities to improve the relationship.

The Deputy President praised Japan for its support in various sectors and expressed Kenya’s intention to strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries that have existed since independence.

The trade balance is one of the areas Kenya is working on as it seeks to expand markets for its agricultural products in Japan.

Presently, Kenya exports Sh7.8 billion worth of products to Japan annually against Sh127 billion of imports to the country.

During the meeting, the DP also challenged the ambassador to promote Kenya as a good tourist destination site among their people, saying the number of tourists from Japan was still low.

The ANC party, led by new Party Leader Issa Timamy, has rejected UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala’s call to dissolve and join the William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance party.

During a consultative meeting held in Lamu County, the party Council Bureau asserted that the ANC party will not merge with any other parties affiliated with the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Timamy assured ANC’s support base that the party will not dissolve anytime soon and wondered why Malala is calling for parties to dissolve and join UDA when the ruling coalition is functioning smoothly.

He added that the ANC party will continue to play its role in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, supporting the President to deliver the coalition manifesto to Kenyans.

In a rally in Kisumu, UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala had stated that parties in the coalition should dissolve and work under UDA to have one center of power.

On Monday, Malala was named the new UDA SG, replacing Veronica Maina who is a nominated senator.

The change came as the party prepares for a massive recruitment drive and election of party officials.

The Atheist Society of Kenya has expressed disappointment with the proposed bill by Homabay MP George Kaluma that seeks to criminalize homosexuality in Kenya.

The society’s President, Harrison Mumia said the bill, which proposes a life sentence for those found to have engaged in homosexual acts, is an assault on civil freedoms.

He raised concerns that such a bill would lead to the repression of marginalized and oppressed sections of society, particularly the LGBTQI+ community.

“Criminalizing homosexuality will only serve to push these individuals further into the margins of society, and risk persecution,” Mr Mumia noted in a statement.

Mumia emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, and that the government must uphold the rights of all citizens.

He said the government has the responsibility to safeguard the rights of every citizen and shield them from discrimination and oppression as well as secure their welfare.

In addition, Mumia urged civil society organizations and human rights defenders to speak out against the proposed bill and to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community.

In recent years, the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Kenya has worsened, with increased violence and harassment towards them.

In February 2019, the Kenyan High Court upheld the criminalization of homosexuality, stating that it was not a violation of human rights.

However, in May 2019, the Kenyan film “Rafiki” became the first Kenyan film to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival and dealt with LGBTQ+ issues.

The film’s director, Wanuri Kahiu, challenged the Kenyan government’s censorship of the film, which had been banned in Kenya for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship.

In March 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that the government’s decision to ban “Rafiki” was unconstitutional, stating that freedom of expression is protected under the constitution.

The ruling was seen as a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya and a step towards greater inclusivity.