Author and LGBT activist Binyavanga Wainaina dies

Gay activist Binyavanga Wainaina dies

Mumbi Mutuko

May 22, 2019 8:21 AM

Rest in peace

LGBT activist Binyavanga Wainaina

Author and LGBT activist Binyavanga Wainaina is dead.

The renowned Kenyan author died after a short illness.

Last year he held an interview with a local daily where he opened up about his life and even revealed he was planning on marrying his long term partner.

Binyavanga came out in January 2014, in a confession that caught many by surprise.

“I am not afraid to talk. In fact, I am doing a documentary on it because this thing must be discussed. Kenyans should discuss it in all platforms but not before they hear the full story," he said.

In 2016, Binyavanga also let the world know he was HIV positive through a tweet on social media during the World Aids Day.

“What I said (in a tweet) is true. I’m HIV positive and happy! That is all I can say,” Binyavanga said.

He suffered a stroke in November 2015 that saw him admitted to Karen Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit for three weeks and also affected his speech.

Mumbi Mutuko