Binyavanga Wainaina, a renowned Kenyan author and frontline LGBTQ activist has passed on- the outspoken human rights defender died at 10:00pm on 21st May 2019, after suffering a stroke.
Binya as he was commonly referred to by friends and close associates, had been in and out of hospital during the past couple of years- in 2015, a health fund was set up for him and he suffered a stroke the following year. He also publicly came out as HIV positive and did not shy away from his struggles with mental health. He used various social media platforms to document his health struggles- a move that was an inspiration to many especially within the LGBTQ community in East Africa.
Binyavaga was set to wed his Nigerian fiancé later this year - a dream that will now remain unfulfilled. Binyavanga was the founder of Kwani Magazine and had several book titles to his name.
The LGBTQ community in East Africa and the world at large has lost a brave gallant fighter. May his soul rest in power.
