One of the Kenya’s most followed personalities on Tiktok, Kapinto has come out as gay stars ending several months of speculation about his sexuality.
Kapinto became famous for his skits revolving about the ordinary lives of Kenyans delivered in a female voice and a heavy dose of curse words.
He has over eight million views on Tiktok and half a million followers on the platform.
The Tiktoker appeared in a now deleted YouTube video by gay activist Dennis Karuri where he revealed his sexuality. Photos captured from the video shoot showing Kapinto in a wig and make up have also been uploaded on Karuri’s Instagram Page
Most of his fans have commended him for coming out while others are still surprised.
Kapinto’s coming out has been hailed by some as a boost to the LGBT community.
Gay sex in Kenya is punishable by up to 14 years in prison – a challenge to this law was rejected in 2019.
Prosecutions under this law are not common and attitudes towards gay people are more liberal than in neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.
Although there are few reports of homophobic attacks in Kenya, many members of the LGBT community live in clandestine communities and are often shunned by their families in this deeply religious country.
However, attitudes are softening, especially among younger people and Chimano joins a growing list of prominent young Kenyans who have come out as gay or lesbian.
“Young people are saluting him and are seeing him as an icon who comes out to celebrate his life and his sexuality. It’s a good thing, it shows our diversity as a country,” gay activist Kevin Mwachiro said.
