In response to a Kenya-based politician’s negative comments about local people, Twitter users stepped in to quell the hate!
George Peter Kaluma Trashes Locs & Stands 10 Toes Down
The conversation began after George Peter Kaluma, a member of the Kenyan Parliament, shared an announcement sent to students at Kenya Methodist University earlier this year.
Specifically, the letter—sent from the Dean of Student Affairs—is intended to “encourage all students to adopt a style of dress and appearance that is acceptable in the professional and social spheres in general. “
The first topic addressed was “rasta/dreadlocks,” when the principal urged students to “groom their hair well.”
Kaluma, apparently agreeing, tweeted the announcement and added, “This should be enforced by all universities and academic institutions.”
As for his reasoning, Kaluma claims that these institutions are “training leaders in different fields, not prostitutes!”
This should be enforced by all universities and academic institutions.
We are training leaders in various fields, not prostitutes! pic.twitter.com/bVwkmPGQH2– Dear Sir. George Peter Kaluma (@gpdkaluma) January 8, 2023
After the tweet started gaining attention, one user called it “very mediocre”. He also asked, “What’s wrong with dreadlocks?”
In turn, Kaluma dug himself into an even deeper hole by writing, “Imagine your doctor, lawyer, engineer in dreadlocks.”
Imagine your doctor, lawyer, engineer in dreadlocks
– Dear Sir. George Peter Kaluma (@gpdkaluma) January 8, 2023
Black Twitter disappoints politicians
Kaluza’s second tweet in particular garnered a lot of attention and it initiated a trend where people brag while talking about their career achievements.
Like you can really imagine??? https://t.co/gPCi1r9abi pic.twitter.com/bWvPcTdxmz
– Cynthia (@telu__) January 11, 2023
Qualified + innovative computer forensic and security engineer. .
Imagine ! With dreadlocks and the whole lotta tatoos. . https://t.co/sppdVKRqam pic.twitter.com/BH7noPmyfI– HR Personnel (@Hi_Renaissance) January 12, 2023
Oh that’s fun… I want to join
– Award-winning diversity and inclusion advocate
– Recognized industry change maker
– Co-Founder
– SEO & Content Strategist
– Global speaker
– Judge of the award program
– Nominated for Excellence Leadership AwardLocal https://t.co/cAFULPm57D pic.twitter.com/bGDJNBXewn
– #CubicZarcarbium (@RejiYates) January 12, 2023
I ran the biggest impact-focused consulting firm in the world. Used to sit with Heads of State. Associate with great minds. Lead important conversations about the future of humanity. Create programs that change the lives of millions.
And all with fear on my head. https://t.co/RUJsg2VUG7 pic.twitter.com/AsNQEag3Ga
– Lorna’s husband (@edwin_macharia) January 12, 2023
No longer a dream https://t.co/sqR9IYFPOq pic.twitter.com/DeGftnOZ1N
– El wachira (@elwachira1) January 12, 2023
Without imagination:
Pic 1: Me and the bureaus stated the valedictorian address during my Uni graduation ceremony
Pic 2: I speak to the United Nations with locs
Pic 3: I was called to the Bar (I’m a Lawyer) with loc
Pic 4: Me with the locals on Royal Mission for HRM Queen Elizabeth https://t.co/E4RcGyZP6O pic.twitter.com/huVRJvLoik— Z vollständiggy diggy dung dey (@Z_black_one) January 12, 2023
The tweet was also criticized for being “anti-Black,” while others mocked the absurdity of Kaluma’s statement.
This tweet is anti-black
– Jay D. Cartere (@JayCartere) January 10, 2023
Look at the anti-black here smh https://t.co/GUbhBb0XxH
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) January 12, 2023
I guess this is called looking kempt and professional. 🙄
– La Donna (@SweetThangoxox) January 12, 2023
A reputable legislator should be able to analyze and contribute content on ethical issues rather than shape people based on outdated views, there’s nothing wrong with dreadlocks. What if we started filing for you about many of the child support cases you had in court?
— Booker Ngesa Omole (@BookerBiro) January 11, 2023
One person proceeded to draw clocks on Kaluma’s photo. It was Kaluma’s turn to respond, saying, “Women in buckles are cool, men aren’t! Fear takes away the strength of men and makes men look effeminate!
Women are cool in locks, not men phoo! Dreads take away male power and make men look effeminate!
– Dear Sir. George Peter Kaluma (@gpdkaluma) January 12, 2023
While Kaluma seems to be standing strong, his feelings have certainly been drowned out by pride, love, and support.
Shout out to the misguided people out there to proudly shake their place, and you never let anyone say your crown is unprofessional!
