The Kenya Scouts Association issued a statement dated November 18, calling out comedian Eric Omondi and two others for the inappropriate use of the ''sacred'' scout attire.
In the spirit of Mashujaa Day, Omondi and Eunice Wanjiku Njoki popularly known as Mammito and one other comedian, donned Kenya Scouts uniform when they recorded a short video, depicting the fight for independence by the Mau Mau on October 19.
In the statement published on a local daily, the association stated that despite its support for artistic expression, it would not condone any form of misuse of its attire as outlined in the Laws of Kenya under the Kenya Scouts Act Cap 219.
"It shall not be lawful for any person, not being under the rules of the association duly authorised and entitled so to do, publicly to wear, carry or bear any uniform, badge, token or emblem which under the said rules is specifically adopted for use under the authority of the association," a section of the Act establishing the association reads.
The association stated that a thorough scan of the video revealed that the comedian subverted the law.
"After a thorough scan, misuse of the scout uniform and potentially taints our image, reputation, and brand as Kenya's leading disciplined youth movement," The statement read.
The association asserted that only registered members were permitted to don the attire and it had been established that the comedians were not registered members.
"The scouts' attire is a ceremonial gear and should not be worn in a mad run, swimming, or assault cases et.c as depicted in the video," the statement warned.
The association highlighted that the scouts were a weapon-free movement that preaches peace and conflict resolution through peaceful intervention, and the video does not depict that.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Omondi explained that he had intended to answer the question 'who is your shujaa?' with the video ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
"I don't know what to say. You know people ask who is your Shujaa, and I did the video to celebrate the real Shujaas in this country. In the real sense of things, I celebrated the scouts in the process," he argued.
The statement required Omondi his fellow artists to pull down the video deemed offending to the scouts association and issue an apology.
"We call upon the pictured artists, who are great young leaders and role models in our country, and also in the interest of their brothers, sisters, and fans, to apologise(online) and pull down the images and related footages, and will not reuse them thereafter." the statement read.
