KENYAN PARLIAMENT BANS PALESTINIAN SCARF

A Kenyan MP has caused a storm after wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf in parliament. Farah Maalim Mohamed said he’d worn the keffiyeh in solidarity with Palestine amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza that’s killed thousands. However, the speaker of the National Assembly told him to remove it as it breached parliamentary regulations. Mr Mohamed obliged and, despite pushback, urged everyone to back the Palestinian struggle.

Some consider the incident another example of Kenyan authorities stifling public support for Palestine amid the on-going war. Recently three activists with pro-Palestinian views were arrested on private property in Nariobi and later released without charge. Meanwhile, Kenya President William Ruto says he stands with Israel. But while condemning Hamas’ October 7th attack that killed 1,400 Israelis, he’s remained tight-lipped over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis unfolding in besieged Gaza.

Now, before he was told to remove the scarf, Mr Mohamed also delivered a few choice words on the continued legacy of British colonial oppression affecting his own country. And pointed a finger at the ruling elite. A well-timed speech with King Charles III due to visit at the end of the month.

As usual, let us known your thoughts. Whether you like what he says or not, Mr Mohamed sticks to his principles.