Dressed to kill? Queries on brigade’s new uniform

Nominated Senator Cecily Mbarire and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru at a Jubilee women brigade meeting in Kutus. [Munene Kamau, Standard]

When they hit the ground to campaign for President Uhuru Kenyatta, they did it in a big way. Their hair tucked in red berets, a streak of lipstick on the lips and the vigour with which they delivered their message demanded attention.

They were the Jubilee women brigade on a mission to get votes for Uhuru ahead of October 26.

What was more eye-catching was what they were wearing – the camouflage attire resembling military fatigue, which got people talking.

Among those stunned by the political brigade was Fred Nyairo, a university student, who claims he was arrested mid last year for wearing his favourite attire and fined for masquerading as a military officer.

“They told me it was illegal for anyone to wear clothes that resemble those of the military. I told them I did not know, they told me I should,” he tells Sunday Standard.

His statements were reinforced by Kenya Defence Forces spokesperson Col David Obonyo, who said it is against the law for anyone to wear military fatigue. On the legality of Jubilee brigade, Mr Obonyo says he has not seen anyone wearing KDF uniform.

“Nobody is wearing KDF uniform. Nobody has got our uniform. It would be illegal,” he says.

Kenya banned the sale and wearing of clothes resembling military or police uniform in 2006.

Section 382 (1) of the Penal Code says, “Any person who, with intent to defraud any person, falsely represents himself to be some other person, living or dead, is guilty of a misdemeanour.”

Section 101 (1) of the National Police Service Act says, “A person other than a police officer who, without the written authority of the Inspector-General puts on or assumes, either in whole or in part, the uniform, name, designation or description of a police officer, or a uniform resembling or intended to resemble the uniform of a police officer is guilty.”

Those found guilty are liable for a 10-year imprisonment or a fine not exceeding Sh1 million.

The brigade unveiled their operations in Nakuru this week, drumming in their unwavering support for Jubilee, their uniform being a representation of the combat they are getting into to secure Uhuru’s victory.

When State House Director of Digital Communications Dennis Itumbi first shared the photos of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, National Assembly Deputy Whip Cecily Mbarire and former Nairobi Woman Rep Rachel Shebesh clad in different pieces of what looked like military attire, they buzzed netizens.

“Why are Jubilee politicians dressed in military fatigue like rebel leaders? Which war are you in or going to?” commented one social media user.

But Shebesh says they are not breaking any law by wearing what their brigade chose as their uniform.

“These clothes are available all over the city. If you go to Eastleigh or any shop, you will get them. How come they are available if they are illegal?” she poses.

The matter has elicited debate on social media, with some citing the ongoing case of alleged police impersonation by Joshua Waiganjo.