00:00In a significant development for the Rastafari community in Kenya, a unique tabanical has been open, highlighting the growing presence of Rastafarians in the nation.
00:10This follows a landmark ruling in 2019 when a schoolgirl was expelled for refusing to cut her dreadlocks, a symbol of her faith.
00:17In response, both the High Court and the Supreme Court confirmed Rastafari as a legitimate religion deserving protection.
00:23As for me, I grew up in the Christian foundation, which led me to so much questioning of the faith, because it was making the white man, which is the colonial master that colonized my forefathers.
00:43So, growing up for me in that religion was so difficult for me because religion, as I can say, brought division to the black people.
01:01The Rastafari movement began in 1930 with the coronation of Rastafari Mekkonen, who became Emperor Haile Selassie, one of Ethiopia.
01:10At the Arans believed Selassie embodies the final incarnation of Jesus Christ, with Ethiopia serving as a beacon of pride for its resistance against colonization.
01:19Today, the movement is still struggling for recognition.
01:22Most people never saw Rastafari as a good thing, as a spiritual thing.
01:26Yes, so, we faced a lot of trials and tribulations back then, from family members, the government, the police, all around, actually even being discriminated, not being employed, lack of jobs.
01:42Rastafari is not a religion per se, is a way of life, is a spiritual way of life.
01:49Because according to the elaboration of Haile Selassie, what is religion?
01:54Him say religion, religion are rules, regulations, which were set to guide people, so as they can grow up to spirituality.
02:03Within Kenya, Rastafarians are organized into three mansions or branches known as Nyabingi, Bobo, Ashanti, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
02:11It is still unclear how many people identify as Rastafari in Kenya, a country dominated by Christians and Muslims.
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