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Kenyan Chief Justice Proposes Bill to Decriminalize Prostitution
In a bold move, Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has proposed a Bill to decriminalize prostitution. The Bill, known as the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2023, seeks to repeal sections 153, 154, and 155 of the Penal Code, which currently criminalize prostitution and related activities.
If passed, the Bill would be a major victory for sex workers in Kenya, who are currently marginalized and discriminated against. Sex workers are often victims of violence and harassment from the police and the public. They also have difficulty accessing essential healthcare and social services.
The Bill is grounded in the principle that sex workers are human beings with the same rights and dignity as everyone else. It would allow sex workers to work without fear of arrest or harassment. It would also give them access to the support and services they need to stay safe and healthy.
The Bill, if passed, would be the first law of its kind in Africa. Currently, prostitution is illegal in most African countries. Sex workers in these countries live in constant fear of arrest and violence.
Chief Justice Koome has said that the Bill is necessary to protect the human rights of sex workers. She has also argued that decriminalizing prostitution would make it easier for the government to combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
The Bill has been met with mixed reactions from Kenyans. Some people support the Bill, arguing that it would protect sex workers and make it easier for the government to address the issue of prostitution. Others oppose the Bill, arguing that it would promote prostitution and lead to an increase in sexually transmitted infections.
The Bill also seeks to shield intersex people from the sharp edges of the criminal justice system, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the criminal process.
In another bold move, the Chief Justice has proposed a bill that would reduce the sentences of murderers, sex offenders, and those facing life in prison to 30 years. The bill, known as the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill 2023, is a significant departure from Kenya’s current law, which was drafted in the 1930s by its former colony Britain.
Under the current law, a person can be sentenced to death if found guilty of murder, robbery with violence, or treason. However, Koome’s bill would replace the death penalty with a maximum sentence of 30 years.
The bill also seeks to make other changes to the Penal Code, including replacing the word “manslaughter” with the words “second-degree murder”.
Royal Visit Kenya: British Embassy Gets a Matatu Makeover
In the spirit of the historic Royal Visit to Kenya next week, the British High Commission in Nairobi Tuesday transformed some of its vehicles into works of art, inspired by the vibrant and colorful graffiti of Nairobi’s matatus.
Working with the legendary Matwana Matatu Culture graffiti artists, the embassy has transformed its vans into moving canvases, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors. The result is a unique and eye-catching tribute to Kenyan culture, and a reflection of the strong bond between Kenya and the UK.
British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan described the vehicles as “the coolest cars that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has.” He said that the rebranding is a way to celebrate the “enduring and warm relationship” between the two countries, and to highlight the “strong and dynamic partnership” they continue to forge.
President William Ruto, who met with High Commissioner Wigan on Monday to discuss the royal visit, echoed these sentiments. He said that the visit is a “significant opportunity” to enhance collaboration between Kenya and the UK in various areas of shared interest.
“Kenya is honored that King Charles III and Queen Camilla have chosen our country for their first visit to a Commonwealth nation,” President Ruto said. “This choice is testament to the depth of our relations and the mutual beneficial nature of our partnership.”
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