Kenyan Gay Church Holds Prayer Session Ahead of High Court Ruling on Homosexuality

Members of a Kenyan gay church on Sunday held a special prayer session to ask God for favor ahead of a High Court ruling on homosexuality.

AFP quotes the leader of the Cosmopolitan Affirming Church (CAC), where members of Kenya LGBT community converge for prayers, saying that "the Lord is in control."

"The Lord is in control," she says in front of glowing pink, yellow, and purple candles as congregants yell out "Victory!"

Kenya's High Court is on Friday expected to issue a ruling on whether laws that criminalize homosexuality in the country are unconstitutional.

"When this law is struck down it is going to be a huge kind of liberation for us like a burden has been taken off our shoulders," David Ochara, who helped found the church in 2013 tells AFP.

Kenya’s penal code states that homosexuality is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

"Because of the law you fear blackmail, you fear extortion, you fear violence ... because there is no law protecting you, and the law is against you," says Arthur Owiti, who plays the keyboard in church.

National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), which is one of the petitioners in the case, has expressed optimism that the court will rule in their favor.

“We are excited and cautiously optimistic - but optimistic nonetheless,” Lelei Cheruto from NGLHRC says.

“A positive ruling will mean sexual minorities in Kenya will have the freedom to exist. It will be a step toward their inclusion in society. We feel we have a very solid case.”

If the High Court decriminalizes homosexuality, Kenya will join other African countries that have legalized same-sex relations in recent times, including Mozambique and Angola.