On May 8, 2025, Commissioner Dr. Dennis Wamalwa delivered a compelling public lecture titled “Understanding the Intersex and Human Rights in a Therapeutic Context” at the Embulbul Educational & Counselling Center, hosted under the Catholic Diocese of Ngong. The engagement marked a key milestone in Kenya’s evolving journey toward inclusivity, justice, and dignity for intersex persons.
Organized in a therapeutic setting designed to foster open and empathetic dialogue, the lecture attracted educators, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, civil society actors, and members of the intersex community. In total ,140 persons attended the training where 90 people were physically present and 50 people were following the presentation online. Dr. Wamalwa, a trailblazing advocate and Kenya’s foremost public officeholder from the intersex community, anchored his presentation on five critical pillars:
Clarifying Intersex Identity: A Call to Understanding
Opening the lecture, Dr. Wamalwa sought to dismantle persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding intersex persons. He clarified that intersex individuals are born with biological characteristics (such as chromosomes, gonads, or genitals) that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female.
He stressed that intersex is not a “third gender,” but rather a naturally occurring variation of human biology. “The lack of understanding breeds stigma,” Dr. Wamalwa noted. “Education is the antidote to discrimination.” This foundational clarification set the stage for a broader discussion on human rights, medical ethics, and societal responsibilities.
Lived Experience and Advocacy in Public Service
Dr. Wamalwa courageously shared his personal journey as an intersex individual navigating both public life and the state bureaucracy. He recounted facing discrimination, alienation, and structural silence yet remained resolute in his commitment to speak for the often-unseen intersex population.
He pointed to the 2019 Kenya Census, which recorded 1,542 intersex persons a figure widely believed to be an undercount due to stigma and lack of awareness. “Many live hidden lives, unsupported, and unheard. But today, we create space for visibility and voice,” he affirmed, encouraging intersex individuals to embrace their identity and claim their rights without shame.
Legal Milestones: The Promise of the Intersex Persons Bill, 2024
At the heart of Dr. Wamalwa’s message was the transformative potential of the Intersex PersonsBill, 2024; a progressive legislative proposal currently before Parliament. The Bill, if enacted, will:
- Provide for legal recognition of intersex persons at birth,
- Introduce an ‘I’ sex marker in identification documents,
- Prohibit non-consensual and medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex infants,
- Guarantee access to healthcare, education, and protection from discrimination.
“This Bill is not about privilege, it is about protection, visibility, and equal access to rights for every Kenyan,” Dr. Wamalwa stated.
Therapeutic Inclusion: Health, Faith, and Education
Drawing from the theme of the event, Dr. Wamalwa emphasized the need for therapeutic environments where intersex persons can heal, grow, and thrive. He advocated for the training of medical professionals on intersex-specific care, including psychological support and informed consent protocols.
He further urged faith-based institutions and schools to play a more supportive role in ending shame and marginalization. “Therapy, in the broader sense, must be embedded in our institutions that is religious, educational, and healthcare so that healing and inclusion can co-exist,” he concluded.
Collaborative Pathways for Lasting Change
In his closing remarks, Dr. Wamalwa called for sustained collaboration among national and county governments, religious leaders, human rights institutions, and civil society. Only through collective effort, he emphasized, can Kenya realize its constitutional promise of dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination for all.
He invited the Catholic Diocese of Ngong and similar faith-based organizations to continue championing justice through education and accompaniment.
Conclusion: A Moment of Awakening
Commissioner Dr. Wamalwa’s lecture was not just informative, it was transformative. By weaving together legal insights, personal testimony, and a human rights framework, the session deepened public understanding and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to intersex inclusion.
This event not only amplified the voice of a historically overlooked community but also catalyzed critical conversations across sectors. The momentum generated at Embulbul must now translate into action, legal, social, and cultural to build a more just and compassionate society for all.