Officers’ lipstick rule draws fire

A police boss has been taken to task over a directive barring women officers from applying make-up.

MPs on Monday criticised Deputy Inspector General Grace Kaindi for barring women police officers from applying make-up and adorning other beauty accessories.

Ms Kaindi directed that female police officers should not wear lipstick or fashionable clothes, bangles and big earrings while on duty.

In a July circular issued on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General, officers were told that some items of clothing and accessories were tarnishing “the good name of the service.”

The circular reference C/CUS/VOL.VIII/16G warns that any officer found with the banned items will have breached Force Standing Order CAP 37 and the National Police Service Act 2011 Section 87-88 and will be punished.

But on Monday, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Administration and National Security termed the directive as archaic, extreme, petty and undermined individual rights.

Led by Baringo Women Representatives Grace Kiptui, they said female police officers valued accessories and had a personal attachment to them. “Being a lady I know the value and the attachment we put to our jewellery. I do not see why female officers should be barred from wearing earrings,” she said.

Wajir North MP Ibrahim Abdi Saney said the directive was biased and uncultured. He said female officers should “be left to appear beautiful and free.”

“Attire is not an issue. Let’s borrow a leaf from Pakistan officers who keep their culture and professionalism but work effectively,” Mr Saney added.

His Budalang’i counterpart Ababu Namwamba warned Ms Kaindi against undermining the rights of female officers. He instead asked her to concentrate on fighting graft within the force.