Should the Kenyan Government allow Students to don Rasta/Dreadlocks in School?
On Tuesday, Members of the Rastafarian Community in Kenya yesterday sat pensively in court for hours listening to John Wambua Mwendwa alias prophet explain to judge Chacha Mwita the difference between Rasta and dreadlocks.
They were seeking Court orders to compel Olympic High School to allow one of their own back to school after she was expelled for having Rasta contrary to the School Rules.
According to Mwendwa the Prophet, what his daughter wears is Rasta and is an outward expression of her faith in her maker as opposed to dreadlocks which he believes is something that is ‘dreadful’. Rasta, he said, is covered. He said there is a difference between dreadlocks and Rasta.
As he explained to court he quoted sections of bible which he claims the Rastafarians follow.
He quoted the book of numbers chapter 6:1-8 where the bible among many things forbids shaving of hair for Nazarites.
“My Lord as my faith I am not supposed to shave my hair. This is not just my faith, I and my family we shall serve the Lord, It is my responsibility to raise my child as a Rasta,” Mwendwa said.
He noted that his daughter had indicated to the school that she is a Rastafarian and the decision to now eject her from school is in bad faith especially after she already attended two lessons.
He pointed to the judge that though his daughter read and understood school rules they contravene her right to religion.
The rules which were read out in court forbid a child from wearing dreadlocks to school among many things.
The father in the suit papers says the action of the school amounts to discrimination on the basis of her Rastafarian beliefs.
The Constitution states that every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.
“Every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observance of a day of worship,” Article 30(2) states.
On its part the school denied discriminating on the minor but firmly stated that the rules ought to be complied with by all students.