The Mtwapa (near Mombasa) riot involved police protecting gay people. As well, it was followed by a united effort to stop any follow ups, which succeeded.

All this comes from a long-term, strategic plan by Kenyan LGBT which engages with civil society and with religious leaders. This has led to extraordinary gains in an African context which, unfortunately, is little understood and is certainly not reflected in the way Raila’s remarks have been reported and understood.

The key context for Raila’s remarks is the attempt by evangelicals – and yes, supported by Americans – to associate constitutional reform with the potential for LGBT rights. This includes ‘gay marriage’ which is otherwise a complete non-issue.

If you read Raila’s office’s statement this is what he is saying.

Raila – like Tsvangeri – has a big balancing act to perform. He has both ‘traditional’ (anti-gay) support as well as ‘liberal’. Raila has been associated with the development of civil society in Kenya and it is that which has led to gains for LGBT such as inclusion in health.

This is why local activists say this comes ‘from left field’ – because they assumed he was not an enemy.

You are right to cite the fact that Murugi wasn’t sacked – by Raila – as proof of progress. Unfortunately the MSM loves ‘dark heart of Africa’ stories, so I expect that any contextualisation of Raila’s remarks will be missing and I’ll be reading the usual ‘boycott their ass!’ calls from pig-ignorant American activists (read David Mixner for one) who should know better.