Jubilee women supporters turn heads with berets, uniform
Kirinyaga County governor Anne Waiguru (centre) dances at Kutus Sifa-gardens with members of women brigade campaigning for President Uhuru Kenyatta. The brigade’s mission has caused consternation on both sides of the political divide. PHOTO | GEORGE MUNENE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- At a rally in Kirinyaga on Wednesday, the brigade leaders marched into the stadium chanting Jubilee slogans and in formation
- Due to their choice of military attire and berets, critics accuse them of polarising the country and sending war-like signals at a time of high political temperatures.
- The red berets they wear are popular with radical firebrands like South African politician Julius Malema, who has called for revolt against the government of President Jacob Zuma.
On October 2, more than 4,000 women went to State House Nairobi dressed in bright red shirts and red berets for a meeting with President Kenyatta. And the commander-in-chief was in his element.
“Viva Jubilee Viva,” said the President. The women stood up and answered back. “Viva Jubilee Viva. We are your army.”
And an “army” was born. The Uhuruto Women Brigade.
Since then, the team led by their patron, former Nairobi Woman Rep Rachel Shebesh, has been traversing the country drumming up support for the Jubilee presidential candidate dressed in military jungle uniforms and red berets.
But the brigade’s mission has caused consternation on both sides of the political divide.
UHURU'S ARMY
At a rally in Kirinyaga on Wednesday, the brigade leaders marched into the stadium chanting Jubilee slogans and in formation.
Screams rent the air from the hundreds of gathered women.
“We are Uhuru’s army. And we will defend him,” said Governor Anne Waiguru, acknowledging salutes from dozens of women wearing military clothes.
They are led by ‘generals’ and have recruited ‘brigadiers’ spread across the 47 counties and are growing fast.
GENERALS
“The generals are the founders of the movement, which started before the elections,” said nominated MP Cecily Mbarire in an interview with the Nation.
Generals include Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi, Ms Mbarire, Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso and Ms Waiguru.
According to Ms Mbarire, the brigade is an offshoot of Women for Women, a movement started to support women who wanted to join politics.
Due to their choice of military attire and berets, critics accuse them of polarising the country and sending war-like signals at a time of high political temperatures.
RED BERETS
The red berets they wear are popular with radical firebrands like South African politician Julius Malema, who has called for revolt against the government of President Jacob Zuma.
The berets were also popular with communist armies and revolutionaries like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. They evoke revolutionary fervour.
“We chose the combat and berets because they stand out. Berets are also worn by girls in school while red represents Jubilee. People should not make a big deal about it,” adds Ms Mbarire.
Did Jubilee import the military attire for them?
NEW ATTIRE
“The clothes are available in local markets such as Toy Market, along Ngong Road and other places across the country,” said Ms Elachi.
She noted that Saturday was the last day to wear the military uniform as they expected to unveil new attire at the rally in Nakuru on Sunday.
But Ms Mbarire complained of double standards, saying ODM Reloaded, a party lobby, used to wear military fatigues and berets but did not get the same reaction.
The brigade hit the campaign trail ahead of the October 26 repeat presidential elections.
Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika said the theme of the brigade is: “Get out, vote and protect your vote” while its salutation is “Viva Uhuruto!"
The uniform is meant to charge and excite crowds.
Additional reporting by Lilian Mutavi, Jacqueline Kubania and Francis Mureithi
