She Mourned: Controversy as Mama Ngina Shaves Field Marshal Muthoni’s 70-Year-Old Dreadlocks

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The shaving of Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima’s dreadlocks has generated lots of feedback from Kenyans of all ages and walks of life.

The exercise was carried out by former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta. Kikuyu elders and several leaders witnessed the historic moment.

In a video seen by Litkenya.com, Muthoni sat pensively as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s mother cut the long hair. At one point she said: “that’s enough”.

It is believed that the only freedom fighter who deservedly earned the title Field Marshal has stayed the locks for at least 70 years.

After Mama Ngina finished shaving her, she spread the hair in a Kenyan flag before the flag was put in a Kiondoo.

But before it was placed in a Kiondoo, the 91-year-old quickly stretched her hand to touch the locks for the last time abd say goodbye to them.

The dreadlocks will be displayed at the Kenya National Museum.

What has, however, sparked controversy is the question of how and why she agreed to have her hair cut and the choice of Mama Ngina.

Did somewhere convenience her to let go her hair or it was personal choice?

Those who have interacted with her say she treasured her hair so much and it was a source of her strength.

In the past, people have tried to persuade her to shave the hair, but she refused, insisting that “it was yet Uhuru” though the country gained independence almost 60 years ago.

Mau Mau freedom fighters have been faulting the government for denying them land even after staying for years in the forest trying to free the country from the yolks of colonialism.

In hush times, the Kenyatta family has been accused of shortchanging the heros and heroines after British colonisers left.

We have sampled some reactions from Kenyans for you.

Roselyn Akombe: “What a sad day! Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi must be turning in his still hidden grave!”

Waruguru Kiai: “I have had the honour of touching her hair. I felt powerful. I weep at the ceremony of shaving the hair. I pray never to remember her facial expressions all through the cut.”

Isaac Danlope: “This freedom fighter has been reduced to a commoner. Without her signature dreadlocks, will Mau Mau heros get land?”

Mumbi Ngari: “She is happy that the locks were shaved when she is alive and will be preserved at the National Museum. I spoke to her.”

Lydia Nduta: “She was forced to shave; she wasn’t happy. Her face could tell something was wrong.”

The post She Mourned: Controversy as Mama Ngina Shaves Field Marshal Muthoni’s 70-Year-Old Dreadlocks appeared first on LitKenya.

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