This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On September 13, 2019, High Judge Mwita Chacha made a landmark ruling in a case involving a Rastafarian student and Olympic High School in Kibra.
The court declared that the decision to bar the student from school due to her dreadlocks was unconstitutional and null and void.
According to the judge, the Constitution guarantees every person the right to religious faith, and cutting the minor's hair would be contrary to her beliefs.
The case was brought by a Rastafarian parent who sought to compel the Education Ministry and Olympic High School to admit his daughter to Form One without shaving her dreadlocks.
The parent testified that his daughter's dreadlocks were a part of her Rastafarian religion, not a fashion statement, and that she should not be compelled to shave them.
Justice Mwita ruled that school rules must not be applied in a manner that infringes constitutional rights, stating, 'The limitation must be one contemplated in the Constitution.'
The court also declared that Rastafarianism is a recognized religion and must be accorded respect like any other.
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