Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the recent intimidation, threats and attempted attack against woman human rights defender Pouline Kimani. Pouline Kimani is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) and works in defence of the rights of the gay and lesbian community in Kenya.
Further Information
On 23 August 2008, Pouline Kimani appeared on a television programme dealing with the issue of homosexuality in Kenya. Following this television appearance, Pouline was harassed and threatened by members of her local community. On 25 August she was the subject of physical intimidation in the street by a group of men. On the evening of 1 September, she was chased by a group of men who threatened her with rape. Pouline Kimani managed to escape the men and run to her home. That night at 5 a.m., Pouline Kimani found an envelope at the entrance to her residence containing threats against her. Pouline Kimani reported these incidents to the police but it is not known whether an investigation has commenced.
Front Line believes that the harassment, intimidation and attempted attack against Pouline Kimani is directly related to her activities in defence of the rights of the gay community in Kenya. In this regard, Front Line expresses its concern for the physical and psychological integrity of Pouline Kimani and other members of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya.
