In response to a Kenya-based politician‘s negative comments about people in locs, Twitter users showed out to shut down the hate!
George Peter Kaluma Trashes Locs & Stands 10 Toes Down
The conversation kicked off after George Peter Kaluma, a member of the Parliament of Kenya, shared a notice sent out to students at Kenya Methodist University earlier this year.
Specifically, the letter—sent from the Dean of Students—was intended to “encourage all students to adopt a style of dressing and appearance that would be acceptable in the various fields of work and society in general.”
The very first subject that was tackled was “rasta/dreadlocks,” as the dean urged students to “wear properly groomed hair.”
Kaluma, clearly in agreement, tweeted the notice and added, “This should be enforced by all universities and learning institutions.”
As for his rationale, Kaluma proclaimed that the institutions are “training leaders in various fields, not prostitutes!”
This should be enforced by all Universities and learning institutions.
We're training leaders in various fields, not prostitutes! pic.twitter.com/bVwkmPGQH2— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) January 8, 2023
After the tweet began picking up traction, one user called it “very trivial.” He also inquired, “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 🏃🏃
— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) January 8, 2023
Black Twitter Shuts The Politician All The Way Down
Kaluza’s second tweet particularly picked up a ton of steam, and it kicked off a trend where people showed off their locs while speaking on their professional accomplishments.
Like can you actually imagine??? 🫠🫠 https://t.co/gPCi1r9abi pic.twitter.com/bWvPcTdxmz
— Cynthia (@telu__) January 11, 2023
Qualified Security and Computer Forensics engineer + creative . .
Imagine ! With dreadlocks and whole lotta tatoos . . 🤷 https://t.co/sppdVKRqam pic.twitter.com/BH7noPmyfI— HR The Messenger (@Hi_Renaissance) January 12, 2023
Oh this is fun … I wanna join
– Award Winning Diversity & Inclusion Advocate
– Recognised Industry Changemaker
– Co Founder
– SEO & Content Strategist
– Global Speaker
– Award Show Judge
– Nominee for Outstanding Leadership AwardIn locs 💖💖💖 https://t.co/cAFULPm57D pic.twitter.com/bGDJNBXewn
— Reji (@RejiYates) January 12, 2023
I ran the largest impact-focused advisory firm in the world. Have sat with Heads of State. Communed with great minds. Led pivotal conversations on humanity's future. Created programs that change the lives of millions.
And all with dreads on my head. https://t.co/RUJsg2VUG7 pic.twitter.com/AsNQEag3Ga
— Lorna's husband (@edwin_macharia) January 12, 2023
Is no longer a dream https://t.co/sqR9IYFPOq pic.twitter.com/DeGftnOZ1N
— El_Wachira (@elwachiraTheDon) January 12, 2023
No need to imagine:
Pic 1: Me with locs giving the valedictory address at my Uni graduation
Pic 2: Me addressing the United Nations with locs
Pic 3: Me being called to the Bar (I'm a Lawyer) with locs
Pic 4: Me with locs performing Royal duties for HRM Queen Elizabeth https://t.co/E4RcGyZP6O pic.twitter.com/huVRJvLoik— Z • Gated Community (@Z_black_one) January 12, 2023
The tweet was also slammed as “anti-Black,” while others poked fun at the absurdity of Kaluma’s statement.
This tweet is anti black
— Jay D. Cartere | Copywriting | Content Marketing (@JayCartere) January 10, 2023
Look at the anti-blackness 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 respected law maker should be able to analyze and contribute content on issues of morality not profiling people based on backward opinions, there is absolutely nothing wrong with dreadlocks. What if we start profiling you on the many child support cases you have in court ?
— Booker Ngesa Omole ☭ (@BookerBiro) January 11, 2023
One person proceeded to draw locs onto Kaluma’s photo. In turn, Kaluma responded, saying, “Ladies are cool in locks, not men pthoo! Dreads takes away male oomph and make men look effeminate!”
Ladies are cool in locks, not men pthoo! Dreads takes away male oomph and make men look effeminate!
— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) January 12, 2023
While Kaluma seems to be standing firm, his sentiment was definitely drowned out by the pride, love, and support.
Shoutout to errbody out there proudly rocking their locs, and don’t you ever let someone say your crown is unprofessional!
