You got no right to set the tape on skimpy dressing

By ABIGAEL SUM

Wearing clothes is a distinctive and exclusive phenomenon of the human race.

Outfits in all aspects are meant to cover nudity, boost one’s esteem and dignity and define personality.

However, when worn with improper motive, clothes can be a destruction to others. Despite there being no laws defining how one should dress or what is considered decent or indecent, some women have suffered humiliation, shame and embarrassment in the hands of rowdy crowds over claims that there outfits are skimpy.

Memories of one fateful morning in May last year at Githurai’s soko la mawe will forever linger in Nancy Wambui’s mind. An irate woman tore her clothes exposing her body to traders at the market.

“I left the house for the market as usual where I used to sell bananas. I was wearing a dress which to me was decent. But a woman approached me and started shouting that I was an embarrassment to women at the market because my dress was too provocative. So I took a friend’s leso and wrapped myself to avoid further humiliation,” she recalls.

Screaming

She adds: “However, this did not satisfy her and she ripped off my clothes and started screaming attracting the attention of people. I was embarrassed and ashamed before people I knew and strangers. Luckily, two women came to my rescue and helped me to escape.”

The 27-year-old says even though the matter was settled after she reported to the police and was awarded Sh6,000, the incident shattered her dignity. “I have never gone back to that place neither do I pass near there because it brings back painful memories. I never want to see that woman again in my life because I am still angry and bitter,” says Wambui.

Soko la Mawe market vice chair Deonysias Mwangi, points out that such incidents are common in the area with two or three cases reported every month. On Valentine’s Day, a woman in Kimilili town, Bungoma County, was stripped naked and paraded in the streets by boda boda operators.

Witnesses said trouble started when the lady engaged in war of words with one of the motorcyclists who criticised her dressing. Kimilili OCPD Philip Wambugu says in most cases, such victims shy away from making a formal complaint.

“The lady has never come forth to report the incident. Most victims who have been undressed in public over claims of indecent dressing fear going to the police station maybe because they do not want to be identified as the ones who have been disgraced in such a manner,” he said.

He however, added that it is an offence for people to beat or strip someone naked because this is interference with one’s privacy.

Nominated Senator Joy Gwendo says there are better ways of looking decent without dressing in provocative outfits, however, she adds that this should not be a reason to strip someone naked.

“If someone is indecently dressed,

daughter,” she says. Deputy Executive Director at Kenya Human Rights Commission Davis Malombe warns that stripping someone naked is a violation of human rights and all individuals have a right to human dignity, choice, freedom of conscience and thoughts.

“Such actions are part of the extreme culture of intolerance deepening in our society especially targeting the vulnerable, marginalised and minority based on their numbers, gender social and political considerations. It is the use of power or force to push their choices to the defenceless,” said Mr Malobe.