Heated Online Debate after Photos of Military Clad 'Jubilee Women Brigade' Go Viral

A Jubilee Party Women leader's group dubbed 'Jubilee Women Brigade' has attracted a huge social media debate due to its dressing style.

For the better part of Wednesday and Thursday, a section Kenyans on Twitter continued to raise questions on whether it is legally right for the group to dress in military gear.

The group unveiled its operations in Sunday in Nakuru, with members seen donning military gear as they drummed up support for President Uhuru's re-election bid across the country.

In photos first shared by State House Director of Digital Communications Dennis Itumbi and widely shared on social media, Jubilee women leaders led by Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, National Assembly Deputy Whip Cecily Mbarire and former Nairobi Senator Rachel Shebesh are seen clad in military attire ranging from jacket, pants and a red barret bearing Jubilee party’s logo.

This sparked fury among a group of Kenyans, with some terming it a mockery to the reputable Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and its officers. Here are some of comments by Kenyans on Twitter and Facebook.

Onyango Ochieng Jr. said: "What if it was ODM/NASA confederates wearing this military fatigues...you people would be waxing all manner of conspiracy theories. Shame on Uhuru, he has turned this nation into a thugs paradise,".

Jp Maina said: "Okay, are civilians allowed to rock combat now?
Last I checked it was illegal.
There is a day some AP officers picked up my mom for wearing a combat jacket and she had to pay them 2k to be released,".

Victor Mac'Simwa notes: "When I was growing up, I could c police arrest civilians arrested for wearing combat uniforms, did this law change?,".

"Why are Jubilee politicians dressed in military fatigue like rebel leaders. Which war are you in or going to? Bel Akinyi said.

"Kenya is heading on the wrong direction," Josiah Arap Mutai notes.

"It's should not be allowed as it mockery, abuse to the service men, confusion to the public," Hakeem IGA says. "I thought ni hatia for civilians to wear military Uniform. Why is this being tolerated," Nancy Sikukuu asks.

"Sometime back the Government outlawed wearing military-like clothing. Is Jubilee a law unto itself? Or is it a case of 'our country'? Akach Jim questions.