In 2013, the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) initiated the process to reserve a name for registration as an NGO under the NGO Coordination Board. However, the names proposed were deemed unacceptable. After three unsuccessful attempts to change the name, NGLHRC filed petition 440 of 2013 at the High Court. The legal journey unfolded as follows:

• 24th April 2015: The High Court confirmed freedom of association for people of diverse identities, expanding on Article 27 of the Constitution to include non-discrimination of people. The NGO Coordination Board appealed the decision, leading to Civil Appeal 145 of 2019.
• 29th March 2019: The Court of Appeal affirmed the right of association for LGBTQ+ people. However, the NGO Coordination Board appealed again, escalating the matter to the Supreme Court under Petition Number 16 of 2019.
• 24th February 2023: The Supreme Court of Kenya affirmed the decisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
• 12 September 2023 : The Supreme Court reaffirms the right of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission to register as an NGO in Kenya.

Security Advisory Update

In light of recent developments following the Supreme Court ruling, the safety situation on the ground, particularly in the Coast Region, has evolved rapidly. We must remain vigilant, yet resolute, in these evolving times. Kindly pay attention to the following updates and advisories:

1. Overnight, the number of red zones has increased from five (5) to eight (8), now encompassing Eldoret. Red zones to be on the lookout for: 1. Bamburi/Mtambo/ Kisauni 2. Masjid Sakina/Changamwe 3. TSS Masjid /Pembe Za Ndovu 4. Naivas Likoni/Ferry 5. Kilifi/Malindi 6. Bondeni Masjid 7. Msikiti wa Joho 8. Makadara Grounds 9. Eldoret
2. Despite increased demands, we have dispatched small legal, security, and monitoring teams to seven (7) red zones.
3. A separate team has also been deployed in Eldoret.
4. We strongly advise against wearing any LGBTQ or queer-branded clothing, jewellery, or items that could identify you in a crowd. This recommendation applies not only to the Coast region but also beyond.
5. If you feel unsafe, consider spending time with a friend or two, but please avoid large groups of more than four (4) people.
6. Please share any information, video clips, messages, screenshots, or conversations from your social media or chat spaces—whether positive or negative—with us at the following number: +254 700 010 743.

Important Contact Numbers:

1. 999/911/112: National Police Service Emergency Numbers (for life-threatening situations)
2. 0800 720627: KNCHR Rapid Response Number
3. 0716345807: UAFI Kilifi County Rapid Response
4. 22359: KNCHR Rapid Response SMS Number
5. 0798849871 (Nairobi), 0757292932 (Mombasa), 0794675745 (Kisumu): KNCHR WhatsApp number for documenting violations

Online Security

1. Maintain a low profile on social media and avoid sharing personal information.

2. Be cautious of catfishing and entrapment attempts.

3. Use secure platforms like Signal for sensitive communications.

4. Choose public places for meetings and consider timed safety calls.

5. Be mindful of surveillance and learn how to protect your digital communications.

Mental Health

Consider seeking professional mental health support to help you cope with the stress. Resources include;

1. galck+ through: galck.org/book
2. 0700010198 - NGLHRC’s In-House Psychologist (WhatsApp to set up an appointment)
3. Wazi Therapy Online Platform LGBTQ+ category app.wazi.io/
4. 0726037140 - Angie Obutu
5. 0721627617 - Daisy Malinga

Your safety and well-being remain our utmost priority. Take these precautions seriously, not out of fear but as an act of solidarity and self-preservation. Safety always begins with you and we urge you to protect yourself and those around you during these challenging times. We shall continue to stand together, supporting one another, as we navigate these challenges with courage and determination.