Youth in Lamu are unhappy with local police after the officers went on a hair cutting spree, shaving anyone with untidy or overgrown head hair and beard.
The incident left a small population of youth roaming the streets of Pete island with half shaved hair on the head and beards – forcing many to flee the streets.
According to one of the residents, the officers are said to have stormed a village in Pete island while armed with scissors – and ruthlessly embarked on a shaving expedition on the streets.
Human Rights activist Famau Mohammed condemned the incident.
“The police forcefully detained and shaved more than 19 young men in Kizingitini village alone,” noted Mohammed.
Mohammed told Wananchi Reporting that some of the young men were rounded up at a video kiosk – where they had gathered to watch movies.
“They shaved their heads and beards, before freeing them,” he added.
The police have heightened their activities in the island, targeting informal social places especially in Kizingitini and Pate Chudwa.