January 4, 2003: A barber from an executive city saloon travels to Bahati in Nakuru to cut radical politician Koigi wa Wamwere’s 13-year-old dreadlocks. Mr. Wamwere had vowed he would not cut his shoulder-length locks so long as retired president Moi was in power. Surrounded by family, friends and MPs-elect and hired musicians, Mr. Wamwere shed his dreadlocks, saying: “By cutting my hair, I want to show that we are entering a new era. An era of freedom of expression, an era in which we will be brought together in love for each other as Kenyans and even among our tribes”. He added: “I have forgiven Moi for what he has done to me. However, those who were involved in the Goldenberg scandal during his regime must return the money, those on the list of shame followed and Kenyans told the truth about the murders of Robert Ouko, J.M. Kariuki, Tom Mboya, Alexander Muge and Father Kaiser,” he said. “I feel great. I feel new with all the Moi dirt gone,” the newly-groomed Mr. Wamwere said after the haircut by Mr Rufas Kigunda of Ashleys Barbershop, Nairobi. A guest suggested that the dreadlocks be preserved by the National Museums as a national relic. Here, Wamwere showing the two finger salute after shaving his dreadlocks.

Photo|Nation Syndication