Killer of Kenyan lesbian sentenced to 30 years
LGBTQ+ activists decry prison sentence as too lenient
By Daniel Itai
Confessed murderer Billington Wambui Mwathi on Dec. 22 was sentenced by a Kenyan court to 30 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Sheila Lumumba in April 2022.
Lumumba identified as a non-binary lesbian.
Mwathi was recorded on CCTV as he accompanied Lumumba as they left an establishment on the night of the murder. He eventually pleaded guilty to the crime.
Some LGBTQ+ rights activists decried the sentence by the Nyeri High Court as too lenient.
In recent months, several LGBTQ+ organizations and rights activists in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa called on law enforcement officials to expedite the arrest of those involved in the murder and ensure that they are punished to the full extent of the law.
Lumumba’s family asked for a prison sentence of at least 50 years.
Some local LGBTQ+ organizations calling for justice for Lumumba said that, although they welcomed the verdict, the 30-year sentence was not enough.
In a joint statement released by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), Galck+ (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya) and the Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination (INEND), stated that they stand united for a society where every individual is valued and protected.
“NGLHRC, Galck+ and INEND as organizations working with the LGBTIQ+ community, acknowledge the conclusion of a pivotal chapter in a case that has captured the nation’s attention. We express profound disappointment as the sentence falls tragically short of the justice Sheila deserves and the severity of crimes committed. Sheila Lumumba’s murder on April 17, 2022, represented not only a heinous act of violence against an individual but also an attack on the dignity and safety of the LGBTIQ+ community. The leniency of this sentence sends a disconcerting message regarding the value placed on the lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals in our society.
“While respecting the judicial process, we are deeply concerned that this sentence does not adequately address the gravity of Mwathi’s actions or the broader impact on the LGBTIQ+ community. This decision marks a disheartening moment in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
“We, the undersigned organizations stand united in our commitment to advocate for a society where justice is served fairly and without prejudice. We are dedicated to ensuring freedom, safety, and equality for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity,” read the statement.
In addition, the three organizations said the State should uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation.
“This case highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy and action to protect the rights and lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals. We urge judicial systems and broader society to recognize and uphold the rights of all citizens, including those of the LGBTIQ+ community. Our collective efforts are crucial in building a society where justice is equitable, and everyone is valued and protected,” the organizations stated.
Although the Kenyan Supreme Court in September upheld its decision for the registration of LGBTQ+ organizations in the country and freedom of association, several LGBTQ+ organizations and rights activists have suffered a series of attacks from various civic organizations. In October, several religious leaders and other civic leaders organized a rally of hundreds of people in the capital of Nairobi in protest over the existence of the LGBTQ+ community.
Same-sex relations are illegal in Kenya. People who are convicted of same-sex sexual activities can be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison.
Daniel Itai, the author of this article, is a Pan-Africanist journalist and human rights advocate. Contact him at info@76crimes.com.
