There are new developments in Nairobi, Kenya after a murder, sex scandal and gay sexual assault claims in the Venezuelan embassy. Police have arrested a Venezuelan diplomat over the strangulation murder of the South American nation's charges d'affaires in her official residence, reports Reuters Africa.
Olga Fonseca was killed on Friday after she fired at least five male Kenyan staff members ... who complained to police about sexual assault and harassment by the previous ambassador.
Dwight Sagaray, First Secretary at the Venezuelan Embassy, was arrested on Saturday and Kenyan police on Monday made a court application to hold him in custody for another 14 days. "The suspect was arrested by the police after his diplomatic immunity was waived," deputy prosecutor Tabitha Ouya told the courtroom.
"The investigation is incomplete and (we) require more time to secure crucial evidence and apprehend other suspects," Ouya said. Sagaray was arrested along with five Kenyans who worked at the embassy but it was unclear whether the local suspects have been charged or released.
The previous envoy was Gerardo Carillo Silva, who quickly left the country last month as the Nairobi police began an investigation. Silva has diplomatic immunity and cannot be prosecuted under international law. The former staff members have said that Fonseca dismissed them after they refused to retract "sexual harassment claims" against Silva.
Reuters, The Independent and other western outlets do not expand upon the "sexual harassment" claims. More at China's Xinhua and Kenya's Daily Vation and the Kenyan-Post. Silva is accused of sexually assaulting, fondling, exposing himself and sexual harassing at least six male employees.
Kenya's government is considered progressive on gay rights. Same-sex relations are illegal—penalties are between five and 14 years’ imprisonment—but arrests and prosecutions are rare.
Kenya was the first African nation to include men who have sex with men in their national HIV strategy. Two pro-LGBT justices were confirmed to the Supreme Court in June 2011. The recently-appointed Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has said that "gay rights are human rights" and expressed a desire to overturn anti-gay legislation. As a result, Kenya has rapidly become a refuge for many LGBTs who have been persecuted in East African nations.
Some Background ...
KENYA: Venezuela Envoy Slain
Can Kenya Lead Africa on Gay Rights? [EBONY]
Kenya HRC Calls for Repealing Anti-Gay Laws
Kenyan Men Forced into Gulf Sex Trafficking?
UN Chief Urges African Leaders to Respect Gays
KENYA: Pro-LGBT Justices Confirmed
Controversy in Kenya After Pro LGBT Nominees
Kenyan Prime Minister: "All Gays Should Be Arrested"
KENYA: Questions Surround Mandatory HIV Testing
AIDS 2010: Joel Nana on African Gay/Bi Men, HIV
WATCH: CNN Surveys Gay Rights in SA, Kenya, Cuba
Kenyan Gays Demand Protection After Brutal Assault
Kenya: "Things are Changing in Favor of Gays"
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