The prison sentences for gay attackers in Kenya have been celebrated as a rare victory for the country’s LGBTQ+ community, offering hope amid increasing homophobic attacks and blackmail targeting queer individuals.
On 3 March, Abel Meli and an accomplice were sentenced to 15 years in prison for robbery with violence at Milimani law courts in Nairobi.
Advocates say this ruling is a sign that justice is possible, even in a country where homosexuality is criminalized and societal prejudice remains strong.
Njeri Gateru, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, praised the verdict. She said the case gives courage to those affected by criminal laws and homophobic attitudes.
“A lot is going against [the queer community], but some of us still trust that justice can be found,” she explained.
Kenya is one of 31 African countries that still criminalizes homosexuality, with same-sex relations punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Many queer individuals conceal their sexual orientation for safety, and hostility has worsened due to legal restrictions, global anti-rights movements, and funding cuts for LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The community has also faced a rise in blackmail and extortion of LGBTQ+ individuals, often accompanied by violence. Ishtar, a local organization supporting men who have sex with men, recorded 226 such cases in 2025, with 61 more reported in the first two months of 2026. Victims are coerced to transfer money under threat of exposure or harm.
The 2023 Family Protection Bill, introduced by MP Peter Kaluma, proposes harsher punishments for same-sex relations and restrictions on LGBTQ+ inclusive education.
Kelly Kigera, programs manager at Ishtar, warned that the political climate and anti-rights campaigns have increased violence. “Churches are educating congregations on how to profile queer people,” she said.
In April 2023, victims Eric Anyango and Joe Ochieng endured hours of brutal abuse and forced money transfers after meeting a man online. Their attackers threatened to out them to their families and even kill them. After complying, the victims sought support from Ishtar and reported the case to the police, leading to the arrests.
Lucas Wafula, a paralegal with Ishtar, highlighted that queer people often face harassment at police stations. “They tell you you are not a normal citizen and sometimes dismiss your case entirely,” he said.
The successful prosecution of the attackers marks a rare instance of legal protection for queer people in Kenya.
Gateru explained the convicted men were part of a larger criminal gang, sometimes with connections to police, which terrorized gay men. The sentencing may act as a deterrent for other gangs and organized crime targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Many cases remain unreported due to fear of self-incrimination and widespread homophobia. “Blackmailers rely on the pervasive homophobic attitudes within public institutions and society,” Gateru said, emphasizing the difficulty victims face in seeking justice.
Anyango and Ochieng, while relieved justice was served, continue to struggle with the emotional and physical trauma from their ordeal.
They encourage others to report abuse. “If you have been blackmailed, don’t be afraid. There is justice—go to the police station. No one has the right to abuse you,” Anyango said.
The prison sentences for gay attackers represent a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya, signaling that accountability is possible despite societal hostility. Human rights organizations see the ruling as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that legal recourse can curb organized crime targeting queer people.
Ongoing advocacy and community support remain essential as Kenya’s LGBTQ+ population navigates a precarious landscape of legal restrictions, social stigma, and targeted violence. This case highlights the importance of reporting abuse and pursuing justice through formal channels.
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