IN a disconcerting trend sweeping through Nairobi, incidents of dreadlock theft have left victims like Catherine Wambui grappling with a profound sense of loss and violation.
Earlier this year, while on a bus in Nairobi, Wambui fell asleep only to awaken and discover a significant portion of her waist-length dreadlocks had been surreptitiously snipped away.
‘I felt like a part of me was ripped away,’ Wambui shared with Anadolu news agency. ‘It wasn’t just my hair; they stole my identity, my history. The pain really cuts deep.’
Wambui’s experience is not isolated. Over recent years, Nairobi has witnessed a surge in such incidents, with individuals falling prey on buses, streets, and markets, often in broad daylight.
Behind this unsettling trend lies a complex interplay of factors, including the burgeoning popularity of dreadlocks among the youth, fuelled by celebrity endorsements of the style.
‘Dreadlocks usually take several years to grow, so the demand for “instant locks” has fuelled a black market where stolen hair can fetch significant amounts,’ explained veteran hairstylist John Mwangi.
For those perpetrating the thefts, monetary gain is the driving force. Stolen locks are sold to individuals seeking a quick route to sporting the coveted dreadlock look.
‘A client recently told me she was offered $300 for her seven-inch dreadlocks,’ salon owner Steve Kumari told Anadolu. ‘Clearly, there’s a lot of money in this, especially for someone struggling to make ends meet.’
However, the impact extends beyond mere monetary gain. Rastafarians, for whom dreadlocks hold profound spiritual significance, view the theft as sacrilegious.
‘Dreadlocks are an extension of our being and cutting them off is like desecrating our souls. It’s an assault on our faith,’ expressed David Otieno, a Rastafarian.
Psychologist Dr Susan Gitau highlighted the psychological toll, citing post-traumatic stress disorder and self-esteem issues among victims.
Efforts to combat this phenomenon include community initiatives such as self-defence classes and awareness campaigns. Some salons have implemented heightened security measures to safeguard clients.
Amina Dhaashi, a Rastafarian sister and victim of dreadlock theft, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in the healing process.
‘It’s going to take time, but I won’t let this break me,’ Dhaashi affirmed. ‘We will not let our identity be stolen.’