Binyavanga Wainaina: I am gay

Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina has come out to say he is gay, making him one of the most high profile Kenyans to do so. Photo/EMMA NZIOKA

What you need to know:

  • “Of course my friends knew, but I had been toying with how useful it would be to make a public statement for close to eight months,” said Binyavanga Wainaina.

Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina has come out to say he is gay, making him one of the most high profile Kenyans to do so.

He made the disclosure in an article titled: I am a homosexual, mum coinciding with his 43rd birthday on 18 January.

His statement comes amid a fierce debate about gay rights in several African countries.

“Of course my friends knew, but I had been toying with how useful it would be to make a public statement for close to eight months,” said Binyavanga Wainaina.

He also took to his Twitter account on Tuesday to confirm this to 'anyone confused or in doubt'.

This article first appeared in Nairobi News. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story.