Jamaican star 'Burning spear' hits out at Kenyan principal over alleged discrimination of Rastafarian teacher

By Stanley Kimoru 

Renowned reggae legend Burning Spear has voiced his dismay following reports that a Kenyan school principal threatened disciplinary action against a teacher for identifying as a Rastafarian.

In a heartfelt statement posted on his official Facebook page, the Jamaican icon expressed solidarity with Kenya's Rastafarian community.

“I can't believe anyone in Kenya would not show love to the Rastafarian community. Stand strong. Jah Rastafari love,” wrote Burning Spear.

The controversy erupted after a secondary school teacher in Thika went public with claims that her religious beliefs had made her a target of unfair treatment by her school's administration. In a statement, the teacher revealed she had received a formal letter from the principal, warning her to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her due to her Rastafarian identity.

“I've received a letter from my school head, citing that I'm a 'Rastafarian' and therefore a very bad influence to the students, among other accusations just to back that up,” she stated, attaching a copy of the official letter.

The letter reportedly read in part: “You claim to be a Rastafarian, hence a very bad influence to the learners.”

The teacher was asked to give a written explanation to defend herself.

Recounting previous instances of alleged profiling, the teacher said she had earlier been accused of being under the influence of drugs due to her red eyes – which she said are naturally occuring.

She added that her style of walking and preference for green clothing had also drawn suspicion from the administration.

“I don't claim to be a Rastafari – I'm a Rastafari. And now I'm going to grow my natty locks as a sacred Nazarite Vow and a sign of a Rastafari connection to the spirit world,” she declared defiantly.

The incident has reignited debate over religious freedoms in Kenyan institutions.

A landmark 2019 ruling by High Court Judge Chacha Mwita affirmed that Rastafarianism is a recognized religion in Kenya and that its followers are entitled to express their faith freely, including wearing dreadlocks.