Saying that homosexuality encroaches on his country's social fabric, a Christian leader from Kenya has forbidden United States President Barack Obama from discussing issues related to same-sex relationships during his state visit to the African nation later this month.
In his remarks during the anniversary of an Anglican Diocese in Embu town, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said he and his colleagues have decided not to allow Obama to talk about homosexuality during his visit to Kenya.
"As an individual and a Christian, I am opposed to homosexuality and cannot condone gay practices," Muturi said.
"We will demonstrate firmness against such obtrusions," he added.
He also noted that the Kenyan Constitution has safeguards against same-sex marriage and other "practices being advanced by the West in the guise of human rights."
Another Christian Kenyan leader, Deputy President William Ruto, also pledged to defend his country against homosexuality ahead of Obama's visit.
"We have heard that in the US they have allowed gay relations and other dirty things. I want to say as a Christian leader that we will defend our country Kenya, we will stand for our faith and our country," Ruto said, apparently referring to the US Supreme Court's decision to allow same-sex marriage across the country.
He also maintained that Kenya will never change its position against homosexuality.
"No amount of persuasions, theories or philosophy will make us change our position. We believe in God, this is a God-fearing nation and will continue to be so," Ruto said.
"Homosexuality is against the plan of God. God did not create man and woman so that men would marry men and women marry women," he added.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, however, said that Obama will not back down on the issue of homosexuality despite these statements from Kenyan leaders.
"I'm confident that the President will not hesitate to make clear that the protection of basic fundamental human rights in Kenya is also a priority and consistent that we hold dear here in the United States of America," Earnest said.
"When the President travels around the world, he does not hesitate to raise concerns about human rights," he added.
