Ruto Backs Trump's Executive Order On Recognising 'Only Male & Female'
The Head of State explained that the Executive order reinforced what his government had reiterated all along.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
President William Ruto on Sunday, January 26 expressed support for an executive order signed by United States (US) President Donald Trump on his inauguration day recognising only two genders; male and female.
The Head of State, while attending a Sunday service at the Global Cathedral Church in Nairobi, explained that the Executive order reinforced what his government had reiterated all along.
"Contrary to what has been happening in the past, this year we got some very welcoming development in the US, that as a leading democracy, we have gotten to understand that the policy direction of the US supports what we believe in," Ruto asserted.
He added, "Boys must remain boys, men must remain men, women must remain women and girls must remain girls."
US President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders on January 20, 2025. /AP
Upon assumption of office, Trump signed an order recognising two sexes male and female, and declaring that they cannot be changed.
Contrary to the past, the United States has welcomed certain developments that emphasize a clear policy direction; boys should remain boys, men should remain men, girls should remain girls, and women should remain women
Trump’s order on gender ideology reinstated traditional definitions of gender in federal policy, barring government recognition of gender identity beyond biological sex. On the other hand, Kenya has made strides in promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, albeit cautiously.
"It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. Under my direction, the Executive Branch will enforce all sex-protective laws to promote this reality," Trump directed.
U.S.-funded initiatives in gender inclusion and human rights advocacy could see reductions, affecting NGOs and civil society organisations pushing for gender-related reforms in Kenya.
Furthermore, this shift in U.S. policy is likely to embolden conservative groups in Kenya to advocate for restrictive policies on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights, potentially fueling social debates and policy shifts within the country.
Notably, President Ruto has been vocal against the LGBTQ+ movement, even criticising a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that was viewed as an important victory for the movement in Kenya.
The Supreme Court on February 24, 2023, ruled that denying LGBTQ+ members the right to register as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) was discriminatory. This followed a 2013 lower court ruling that denied the community in Kenya the ability to register an NGO to advance their rights.
LGBTQ+ activists who have been fighting for recognition and protection for over a decade hailed the ruling as a bittersweet victory following the end of an 11-year battle that sought the official registration of an LGBTQ+ organisation in Kenya.
However, the ruling sparked uproar from across the divide with leaders saying religious, traditional and cultural values do not permit same-sex relations in Kenya. On March 2, 2023, Ruto indicated that Kenya has values that should be respected and that women should not be allowed to be dragged into a competition by men who have feelings for their gender.
Across the divide, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also faulted the Supreme Court's ruling on LGBTQ+, accusing the apex court of contravening the laws by making a law. This mandate falls on Parliament, and the apex Court should have directed the matter to Parliament which is mandated to enact or amend laws.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on his part stated that the LGBTQ matter was immoral, and went against the country's beliefs, echoing President Ruto as a God-fearing man.
An LGBTQ flag. /FILE
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