Stop populist remarks on the hemline debate

When students at Rwathia Girls in Murang’a last week held a demonstration demanding to be allowed to wear shorter skirts, perhaps they did not know that they were going to spark a controversy. Many have supported the fight against the rising hemlines, while there have been those who feel that students should be free to wear the skirts they want.

And on Thursday, Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo added his voice to the controversy and appeared to support the Rwathia students’ demand. The students had complained their skirts were too long and ugly. Speaking in Kericho County on Thursday, Mr Mutula said institutions should come up with comfortable and modern attires for students. He said girls in secondary schools should dress to look modern and not nun-like.