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Comedians Eric Omondi and Eunice Mammito are under fire from the Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) for donning the body’s uniforms without consent.
Through a statement, KSA stated that Omondi and Mammito allegedly misused the association’s “highly protected” gear comically as depicted in a photo he shared on his Instagram page on October 16.
“Our attention has been drawn to the photo above of renowned Kenyan comedians in scout uniform. While the association encourages and promotes arts and creativity, the use of sacred Scout gear such as badges and uniform is highly protected and must not be used inappropriately,” read the statement published by the Daily Nation on November 22 in part.
According to KSA, Omondi and Mammito are non-registered members who must apologize, pull down the photo and desist from reusing it, effective November 22.
“After a thorough scan of the photo, It is in our view that the actions in the photo, portrays a high misuse of the Scout Uniform and potentially taints our image, reputation and brand as Kenya’s leading disciplined youth movement,” added the association.
Outlining its reasons, Kenya Scouts Association pointed out that its members are not armed, as depicted in the photo, but are ‘messengers of peace, who resolve conflict through amicable and weapon-free interventions’.
“The pictured artists are not registered as members of the Kenya Scouts Association that in itself is a violation of the law as stipulated above since non-members are not allowed to wear Scout uniform. The Scout uniform is a ceremonial gear for official functions and is not to be used in undue physical activities such as mud-run, swimming, assault causes etcetera as portrayed in the photo.
“Scouting is a disciplined movement for young people, scouts are not armed, and as messengers of peace, Scouts are known to resolve conflict through amicable and weapon-free interventions; the photo in question, though aught look as fun since the artists as renowned comedians, portrays the scouts as armed organized militia,” it warned.
The association further reiterated that while it remains open to collaborating with Omondi and Mammito, the misuse of its uniforms by them or other parties “may attract high and heavy punitive measures.”
“The Association remains open to collaborate with them, and others, so as to effectively leverage on their passion, talent and great following to promote Scouting and good values in our communities. The scout uniform, like any other uniform of a disciplined organization, including police, National Youth Service and the military, is highly protected by the laws of Kenya and its misuse may attract high and heavy punitive measures.”
