Now Lamu proposes to outlaw dreadlocks

A lady with dreadlocks. A county assembly member in Lamu is preparing a Bill that will ban dreadlocks and fancy buibuis. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL

What you need to know:

  • She supported fellow nominated MCA Amina Kale’s motion on miniskirts, saying it will help preserve the cultural purity of Lamu town.
  • Hongwe Ward Representative James Njuguna Komu said if such a Bill was passed, it might affect Lamu’s economy and alienate the youth.

A county assembly member in Lamu is preparing a Bill that will ban dreadlocks and fancy buibuis.

The proposal comes a day after a motion seeking to bar women from wearing miniskirts was tabled for debate in the assembly.

In the Bill to be presented to the county assembly next week, Mrs Zahara Shee Mohamed, a nominated MCA and the majority chief whip, says she wants to stop youth from aping Western culture.

She said Lamu is a national heritage site whose residents are renowned for preserving their culture.

She supported fellow nominated MCA Amina Kale’s motion on miniskirts, saying it will help preserve the cultural purity of Lamu town.

“I support a ban on miniskirts but that is not enough. We have youths with dreadlocks and women who wear open buibuis. We should ensure this does not exist in our county,” said Mrs Shee.

She said tourists came to Lamu to experience the culture of its people and if young people were not reined in, Lamu would be completely westernised in a few years.

She pledged to carry out campaigns promoting respect of the local culture by both residents and visitors.

However, the proposed laws have attracted severe criticism from some residents and leaders.

Hongwe Ward Representative James Njuguna Komu said if such a Bill was passed, it might affect Lamu’s economy and alienate the youth.

“Youth like dressing in a manner that pleases them. Most beach operators in Lamu are Rastafarians. If the motion is passed, it means they will have to adopt another lifestyle. I do not see the importance of such a motion,” said Mr Komu.

County executive for Trade, Tourism and Culture Samia Omar said such laws were bound to affect the number of tourists visiting the island.

“Tourism is a key income earner in Lamu. Such laws will directly or indirectly affect the industry. Such laws should be thrown out,” said Ms Samia.